In a significant development, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet has reportedly shot down a Russian aircraft in its first air-to-air combat success. This marks a renewed focus on the U.S.-manufactured F-16s, which have been in Ukraine for about two years but have had a subdued presence.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, informed U.S. lawmakers about the incident. The type of Russian aircraft involved was not specified by Caine, but Ukrainian media suggested that it was an Su-35, reportedly taken down over eastern Ukraine on July 8.
“Recently, we had the first air-to-air kill where a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter,” Caine said.
According to a Russian Telegram channel, which claims links to Russia’s military, three Ukrainian aircraft, including F-16s, and a Patriot anti-aircraft system targeted the Su-35. The channel also claimed the pilot survived.
Both the F-16 and Su-35 are classified as fourth-generation fighters. These aircraft are effective yet lack some of the advanced stealth capabilities of newer, fifth-generation fighters such as the U.S.’s F-35s and F-22s. However, the F-16 is more sophisticated than the Soviet-era MiG-29 or Su-27 that Ukraine previously used.
Ukraine has sought F-16s from Western allies, who have been phasing them out in favor of fifth-generation jets. Since summer 2024, four NATO countries agreed to supply around 80 F-16 jets to Ukraine, although delivery has faced delays. Some of these jets serve active duty, while others provide spare parts.
The Ukrainian air force often uses F-16s to intercept Russian missiles and drones directed at Ukrainian cities, focusing more on defense than offensive strikes deep into Russian territory. Ukraine faces a shortfall in air defense systems and missiles, making it difficult to protect populated areas and key military sites as Moscow steps up its attacks.
Reports from March indicated that Ukrainian F-16s ran low on missiles to counter Russian strikes for nearly a month in late 2025. Ukraine maintains approximately 39 F-16s, according to Defense Express, a defense-focused Ukrainian outlet. However, the country has lost at least three F-16s, with another damaged in June 2025, resulting in the pilot’s death.
In a move to expand its air capabilities, Ukraine signed a deal to acquire 16 Swedish-made Gripen jets, expected to bolster the country’s air force within three years. This advancement follows Sweden’s earlier commitment to send 16 older Gripens from its fleet to Ukraine.
For further details, contact Newsweek editors Frances Mao and Tony Phillips.
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