Even though the Ukrainian Air Force hasn’t achieved air dominance over Ukraine, it has successfully hindered Russia from attaining this supremacy.
The Ukrainian Air Force
lost
Another F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft was deployed as part of the aerial offensive against Russia, according to a statement released by President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday.
This is the second F-16 fighter aircraft known to have been
lost
During the conflict, the Ukrainian Air Force faced its initial loss of an American-made combat plane in August 2024. Enemy forces caused both pilots to perish in this incident.
Fighting Falcon Down
Today, Captain Pavlo Ivanov met with a tragic end 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 head of Ukraine stated that information regarding the event remains disjointed, and the Ukrainian Air Force is working to ascertain the sequence of events.
The Ukrainian Air Force has been utilizing a
modest group of F-16 fighter planes
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.
Kiev’s Western allies have pledged to send 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 been provided substantial military support from both the United States and NATO to enhance its fighting strength. Besides the F-16 fighter jets, Kiev has also obtained additional assistance.
Dassault Mirage 2000-D combat aircraft
From France, along with Soviet- and Russian-produced aircraft from nations that were part of the former Warsaw Pact. At the onset of the conflict, Ukraine’s air force operated planes comparable to those used by Russia’s aerospace forces. However, following successive shipments of defense assistance from Western allies, Kyiv has started transitioning towards assembling a fleet comprised primarily of NATO fighter jets.
“
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.
