A few hours ago, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the loss of one of its F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets during an air attack by the Russian Armed Forces. The Ukrainian fighter, which had reportedly managed to shoot down at least three targets, went into emergency as it was preparing to engage a fourth target with its cannon.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the pilot successfully ejected from the F-16 and was recovered by a search and rescue team. In its statement, the Ukrainian Air Force emphasized the pilot’s good condition—an important detail, as F-16 flight personnel are an extremely valuable resource due to their lengthy training and combat experience.
Although no further details were provided, indications from the Ukrainian Air Force suggest the F-16 may have shot down drones or cruise missiles before entering emergency. It is speculated that the aircraft may have suffered damage from an explosion or debris from the destroyed targets, which led to its crash.
This marks the third F-16 Fighting Falcon lost by the Ukrainian Air Force since the aircraft was introduced in August 2024. The first jet was destroyed at the end of August that same year, while a second F-16 crashed in April 2025. In both previous incidents, the pilots were killed.
F-16s for Ukraine
The initiative to supply F-16s to the Ukrainian Air Force remains underway, with Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium participating. The coalition has pledged to deliver more than 90 F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons, a number that includes aircraft currently in service as well as those intended for training and spare parts.
One of the latest developments in the initiative came yesterday, when Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik confirmed that the remaining F-16s are scheduled to be delivered during 2025. In statements to the Norwegian outlet NRK, the minister said, “…The donation of Norwegian F-16s is proceeding as planned, but due to concerns over Ukraine’s operational security and after consultations with the country, we do not wish to disclose how many aircraft have been donated…”
It is worth recalling that in April 2024, the U.S. authorized Norway to transfer up to 22 F-16 Block 10/15 jets, engines, support equipment, test benches, tools, maintenance materials, simulators, spare parts, manuals, and technical documents, among other items. “…The original acquisition value is approximately USD 1.326 billion. Norway made a couple of F-16s available for Ukrainian crew training and also formed a core group of instructors to support the Danish effort…”, we previously reported at Zona Militar.
Cover image for illustrative purposes. Credits: Ukrainian Air Force.
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