Ukrainian F-16 Achieves First Air-to-Air Kill Against Russian Jet

For the first time, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet has successfully downed a Russian aircraft in a direct aerial combat situation, according to General Dan Caine, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. This development marks a pivotal moment, drawing renewed attention to the U.S.-made F-16s in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

During a briefing with U.S. lawmakers, General Caine reported, “Recently, we had the first air-to-air kill where a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter.” Although Caine did not specify the type of Russian aircraft downed, Ukrainian media cited a statement from the Ukrainian Air Force claiming it was an Su-35, downed over eastern Ukraine.

A Russian Telegram channel, allegedly connected to Moscow’s air force, provided a slightly different narrative. The channel suggested three Ukrainian aircraft, along with a Patriot anti-aircraft system, targeted the Su-35. The pilot reportedly survived the incident. Among the Ukrainian aircraft involved were two F-16s.

Both the F-16 and Su-35 are categorized as fourth-generation fighter jets. While they are considered capable, they do not match the sophistication or stealth of fifth-generation aircraft like the U.S.’s F-35s or F-22s. Nonetheless, the F-16s represent a significant technological leap over the older Soviet-era jets such as the MiG-29 or Su-27 that Ukraine had relied on for many years.

Western support has been crucial for Ukraine. F-16s started operating in Ukraine in the summer of 2024 after four NATO countries committed to sending approximately 80 of these jets. Delivery of these aircraft has faced delays. Some have been used in combat against Russian forces, while others have supplied spare parts.

Ukraine primarily employs its F-16s to intercept Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian cities, rather than conducting extended range strikes into Russian territory. Kyiv faces a shortage of air defense systems and missiles to counter Russian aerial attacks, which Moscow has escalated over recent weeks.

In late 2025, Ukraine’s F-16s experienced a paucity of missiles, limiting their ability to intercept Russian strikes for nearly a month, as reported by Reuters in March. Currently, Ukraine’s F-16 fleet is estimated at around 39 operational aircraft, based on data from Defense Express, a Ukrainian defense outlet. Ukraine has lost at least three F-16s and reported damage to another in June 2025, which resulted in the pilot’s death.

In an effort to bolster its air force, Ukraine secured a deal in June to purchase 16 Swedish-manufactured Gripen jets. These aircraft are expected to be operational within approximately three years. Sweden has already agreed to send 16 older Gripens to Ukraine, as they are phased out of Sweden’s fleet.

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