Ukraine confesses losing third F-16
(MENAFN) Ukraine’s military has confirmed the loss of another US-made F-16 fighter jet, the third such incident since Kyiv began receiving the aircraft from Western allies.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that communication with the jet was lost around 3:30 a.m. on Friday during a defensive combat operation. The crash site has not been disclosed.
Officials stated that the pilot had successfully taken down three aerial threats and was engaging a fourth with the aircraft’s cannon when an emergency occurred onboard. The pilot managed to steer the plane away from populated areas before ejecting safely. He was later rescued and is in stable condition. An investigative commission has been formed to examine the cause of the incident.
The Russian Defense Ministry has not issued any statement regarding the event.
Ukraine began receiving F-16s in 2024 after former US President Joe Biden approved the transfers in 2023. While over 80 jets have been pledged by NATO countries, it’s unclear how many are currently operational in Ukraine.
This latest crash follows two earlier F-16 losses—one in April 2025, when Russia claimed to have downed the aircraft and the pilot was killed, and another in 2024 during a response to a Russian airstrike, which also resulted in the pilot’s death.
Though Ukrainian officials had initially hoped the F-16s would enhance air defenses, both Ukrainian and Western experts have since acknowledged the jets face significant challenges against advanced Russian aircraft like the Su-35. Logistical issues have further complicated the F-16s’ deployment.
Russia continues to oppose Western military aid to Ukraine, arguing it only prolongs the conflict. President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that the F-16s, like other Western weapons, are doomed to be destroyed.
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