First F-16 Loss in Ukraine: Crashed Fighter Jet Marks Milestone

An F-16 fighter jet used by Ukraine crashed on Monday, marking the first such loss since the U.S.-made planes arrived. The Ukrainian military confirmed the pilot's death. Despite its significance, the small fleet's impact on the ongoing conflict remains limited. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

An F-16 fighter jet used by Ukraine crashed on Monday, Kyiv's military confirmed, marking the first loss of the U.S.-made planes since their arrival earlier this month.

The jet went down while approaching a target during a Russian airstrike, resulting in the pilot's death, the Ukrainian General Staff announced on Thursday via Facebook. The F-16s had been successful, downing four Russian cruise missiles, the statement added. Communication with one of the aircraft was lost before the crash.

Though Ukraine has not disclosed the size of its new fleet, this loss is considered significant. A source cited by The Times of London indicated Ukraine had six F-16 jets. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the operational use of F-16s, calling it a milestone in countering the 29-month-old Russian invasion.

Zelenskiy noted that F-16s were deployed to repel a large-scale Russian attack involving over 200 missiles and drones targeting the energy sector. U.S. defense officials stated that Monday's crash was unrelated to Russian fire, and potential causes range from pilot error to mechanical failure.

Military experts suggest the limited number of F-16 jets will not dramatically shift the conflict's dynamics, as Russia has had time to develop countermeasures, leaving Ukraine with a significantly weaker air force.

Ukraine's Air Force Western command posted an obituary for pilot Oleksiy Mes, who died repelling Monday's attack. Mes's involvement with F-16 missions was not explicitly confirmed, but he was reportedly training for them in 2023.

Since Russia's invasion began, Kyiv has consistently urged allies to supply modern jets to strengthen its outdated, small fleet.

(With inputs from agencies.)