A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet has taken down a Russian jet in aerial combat, marking a significant achievement. According to General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, this incident is the first of its kind involving the U.S.-made aircraft in Ukraine.
Caine did not specify the type of Russian jet involved. However, Ukrainian media suggested that the air force claimed the downing of an Su-35 over eastern Ukraine. A Russian Telegram channel, allegedly linked to Moscow’s air force, indicated that three Ukrainian aircraft, along with a Patriot anti-aircraft system, targeted the Su-35. The Russian pilot reportedly survived the encounter.
Both the F-16 and Su-35 are categorized as fourth-generation fighter jets. While not as advanced as fifth-generation planes like the U.S. F-35s or F-22s, the F-16s represent a modern advancement over Ukraine’s older Soviet-era jets such as the MiG-29 and Su-27.
For some time, Ukrainian officials have been advocating for the transfer of F-16s from Western allies who are transitioning to newer aircraft. Since summer 2024, Ukraine has utilized F-16s after receiving pledges from four NATO countries to send about 80 jets, although delivery has faced delays. These jets serve dual purposes: combat missions against Russian forces and as a source of spare parts.
Typically, Ukraine employs its F-16s to intercept Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian cities, as opposed to launching deep attacks into Russia. The nation faces a shortage of air defense systems and munitions to intercept Russian assaults effectively. Russian bombardment of Ukraine has intensified in recent weeks.
In late 2025, Ukrainian F-16s lacked sufficient missiles to counter Russian attacks, as reported by Reuters in March. The current F-16 fleet in Ukraine is estimated at around 39 aircraft. By late June 2025, Ukraine reported the loss of at least three F-16s, with another jet damaged, resulting in the pilot’s death.
In June, Ukraine signed an agreement to purchase 16 Swedish-made Gripen jets. These jets are expected to be operational in Ukraine within approximately three years. Sweden has already committed to providing 16 older Gripens from its fleet to Kyiv.