Servicewoman Natalia Grabarchuk successfully destroyed a Russian cruise missile from the Igla man-portable air defense system. It was her first combat launch after 5 months of training at the training center.

On the morning of November 17, soldier Natalia Grabarchuk, who in civilian life was a kindergarten teacher, destroyed a cruise missile from an Igla MANPADS during a massive Russian attack.

This was reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN reports.

Details

It was her first combat launch, and her first hit. Natalia completed a 5-month training course at the training center, mastered various types of portable air defense systems

— the message says.

Natalia herself said that when the enemy missile appeared in front of her, she rejected all emotions and excitement.

I made hundreds of training launches on simulators. And then — the first combat launch and hit the target. The man-portable air defense system weighs about 18 kilograms, and the responsibility is also a burden. I am very glad that I managed to do it. After the combat work, I let my emotions run wild. Our mobile firing team includes female soldiers. We make every effort to achieve the result, give our all

— the woman said.

The Air Force said that Natalia Hrabarchuk was a preschool teacher in civilian life. Since 2021, she has been an anti-aircraft gunner of the anti-aircraft missile unit of the Galician-Volyn Radio Technical Brigade of the West Air Command.

The footage shows a woman on the roof of a building “guiding” an enemy target, and then firing an IGLA MANPADS that hits the enemy target.

Gotcha. I got you, Natasha, I got you

— a voiceover is heard.

Recall

Russia fired about 120 missiles and 90 drones of various types at Ukraine. Air defense destroyed more than 140 targets, but there was damage to energy infrastructure and deaths.