Ukrainian F-16 downs Russian fighter jet in first air-to-air kill

Published Jul 23, 08:07 PM UTC

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet has shot down a Russian fighter jet for the first time since the American-designed planes arrived in 2024, according to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. The kill, confirmed during a Senate hearing, marks a significant milestone for Kyiv's air power. While Caine did not specify the Russian aircraft type, Ukraine's Air Force previously announced downing a Su-35 on the eastern front. The engagement is notable because Ukraine's F-16s, older 1970s-80s models from the Netherlands and Denmark, are technically inferior to Russia's modern Su-35, which has superior radar and longer-range missiles. Despite this, the Ukrainian pilot achieved the air-to-air victory. Ukraine has primarily used its F-16s defensively against drones and cruise missiles, intercepting 2,200 of roughly 3,000 threats. The success highlights Ukraine's rapidly expanding air defense network and has spurred allies to sign billions in new arms contracts with Kyiv.