Although the Ukrainian Air Force has not been able to establish air superiority over Ukraine, it has been quite effective in preventing its Russian adversary from doing the same
The Ukrainian Air Force lost another F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet in the air campaign against Russia, according to a statement issued by President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday.
This is the second F-16 fighter jet known to have been lost in the war. The Ukrainian Air Force experienced its first loss of a U.S.-made combat aircraft in August 2024. Both pilots were killed as a result of enemy action.
Fighting Falcon Down
“Today, Captain Pavlo Ivanov was tragically killed during an F-16 combat mission. The guy was only 26. My condolences to his family and to all of Pavlo’s brothers-in-arms,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The Ukrainian leader indicated that details about the incident are still fragmented, and the Ukrainian Air Force is trying to establish what happened.
The Ukrainian Air Force has been using a small fleet of F-16 fighter jets mainly for precision strike missions, utilizing their aircraft’s advanced sensors and Western-supplied advanced munitions to take out key command and control and logistical functions.
Kyiv’s Western partners have committed to sending Ukraine scores of F-16 Fighting Falcons, while others have offered to train Ukrainian pilots and maintainers. The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, and Norway have led the way in providing Ukraine with modern fighter jets. The United Kingdom, United States, and France have helped train Ukrainian pilots and support staff.
The Ukrainian Air Force has received significant security aid from the United States and NATO to bolster its combat capabilities. In addition to F-16s, Kyiv has received Dassault Mirage 2000-D fighter jets from France, as well as Soviet- and Russian-made aircraft from countries of the former Warsaw Pact. When the war began, the Ukrainian Air Force was using similar aircraft to those of the Russian Aerospace Forces. But with subsequent packages of security aid from the West, Kyiv has been moving toward a NATO fighter jet fleet.
“Ukrainian F-16s, Mirages, and MiGs, all our combat aviation heroically carry out missions, defending our state and supporting ground operations. The Air Force is also engaged in defending Ukraine from Russian missiles and drones. We are proud of our warriors. Our response will be strong and precise,” Zelensky added.
“On 12 April 2025, 26‑year‑old Pavlo Ivanov was killed while flying an F‑16 on a combat mission. We offer our deepest condolences to Pavlo’s family. He gave his life in battle, defending his homeland from the occupiers,” the Ukrainian Air Force stated.
The Ukrainian Air Force in Action
Although the Ukrainian Air Force has not been able to establish air superiority over Ukraine, it has been quite effective in preventing its Russian adversary from doing the same—helping to even the balance of power and prevent either side from gaining a decisive advantage on the ground.
In terms of casualties inflicted on the Russian Aerospace Forces, the Ukrainian Air Force claims to have shot down 2,496 cruise missiles, 465 air‑launched guided missiles, 97 ballistic missiles 40 Kh‑47M2 “Kinzhal” aero‑ballistic missiles, and 17, 575 Shahed‑type attack suicide drones. In addition, the Ukrainians have shot down scores of Russian fighter and support aircraft.
Today, the Ukrainian Air Force maintains a robust anti-aircraft umbrella composed mainly of Western air defense systems.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock / photowalking.
