Ukraine loses third F‑16 amid intensifying air combat
Ukraine has confirmed the loss of another F-16 fighter jet while repelling a Russian attack. The pilot managed to eject safely and is unharmed.
Key information
- Ukraine has lost its third F-16 fighter jet during combat with Russia.
- The pilot managed to destroy three targets before the malfunction occurred.
- A commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Trilateral talks are in progress.
Ukraine announced on Telegram the loss of another F-16 fighter jet. This marks the third such incident, raising concerns over the country’s air defence capabilities. During the mission, the pilot succeeded in destroying three air targets. Unfortunately, an "extraordinary situation" arose aboard the aircraft while preparing to engage a fourth target.
The pilot, exhibiting composure under pressure, directed the aircraft away from populated areas before ejecting. He was promptly located and evacuated. His health is described as "satisfactory," and he is not in danger.
Authorities have established a commission to investigate the cause of the malfunction, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in future.
The first F-16 fighter jets arrived in Ukraine in July 2024. Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium donated the aircraft, and these countries committed to providing 60 fighter jets to Ukraine. So far, Ukraine has lost three aircraft. In the first two F-16 incidents, two experienced Ukrainian pilots lost their lives.
Trilateral talks: Turkey-Ukraine-Russia and Turkey-USA-Ukraine
A source in the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided this information on Thursday evening. On Friday, trilateral talks will be conducted in Istanbul involving Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as Turkey, the USA, and Ukraine.
Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the Ukrainian delegation, while Vladimir Putin's advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, will head the Russian delegation.
