According to a top U.S. military official, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian warplane in an aerial battle for the first time, sparking renewed interest in this American-made aircraft.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine told members of Congress on Tuesday, “Recently, we witnessed the first air-to-air combat success, with a Ukrainian F-16 shooting down a Russian fighter jet.”
Caine did not specify the model of the downed Russian warplane, but Ukrainian media cited a statement released by the country’s air force on July 8, reporting the shooting down of a Su-35 aircraft over eastern Ukraine.
A well-known Russian Telegram channel allegedly connected to the Moscow air force claimed that three Ukrainian jets and a Patriot air defense system had launched an attack on a Su-35, but the pilot survived. Two of the Ukrainian jets were F-16s.
Both the F-16 and Su-35 belong to the fourth generation of fighter jets. Experts describe them as high-performing but note that their technology and stealth capabilities are not as advanced as fifth-generation aircraft currently in service, such as the American F-22 and F-35.
The American-made F-16 fighters arrived in Ukraine in 2024. NATO allies have been providing flight training for Ukrainian pilots to help strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities.
The F-16 has performed well in intercepting Russian missiles and drones. Caine stated that the strike operation on July 8 marked the first of its kind in the conflict, signaling a significant step forward for Ukraine’s defense and counterattack system.
Addressing members of Congress, he said, “I believe that with assistance from all sides, they have made significant progress in constructing a multi-layered defense system in recent years.”
According to Ukrainian defense media outlet “Defense Express,” Ukraine’s F-16 fleet is relatively small, with about 39 aircraft currently in service. Prior to this incident, the Ukrainian military had lost at least three F-16s in conflicts with Russia.
Ukraine is set to receive an additional 7 F-16 fighter jets from Belgium. Reports indicate that Belgium plans to transfer all its 43 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine over the next few years.
Furthermore, Ukraine signed an agreement in June to purchase 16 Swedish-manufactured Gripen fighter jets. These aircraft are expected to be operational in Ukraine’s airspace in approximately three years.
Sweden had previously committed to providing Ukraine with 16 older Gripen fighter jets, which will be transferred from the Swedish fleet.