Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on April 12, 2025, that a US-made F-16 fighter jet was shot down during active combat duty. According to initial reports by the BBC, the aircraft was believed to have been shot down by Russia’s advanced S-400 air defense system or long-range R-37M air-to-air missile. It was also reported that the pilot, Pavlo Ivanov, was killed in the tragic incident.
This latest loss is the second confirmed casualty of Ukraine’s F-16 fleet, further highlighting the serious threat that modern Western fighter jets face in Russia’s dense and layered air defense environment.
First Loss and Air Defense Challenges
According to Army Recognition, the Ukrainian Air Force suffered its first F-16 loss in early 2025 during a high-risk air operation on the eastern front. In that incident, the aircraft, which was conducting an attack mission, was targeted by Russian long-range air defenses, but the pilot managed to survive by using the ejection seat. This first loss provided important insights into the effectiveness of Russian air defenses and the difficult conditions Ukrainian pilots faced.
Ukraine’s Efforts to Strengthen Air Force
Following Russia’s large-scale invasion three years ago, Ukraine found itself with an air force largely made up of aircraft from the former Soviet Union. Ukraine is in dire need of modernizing and strengthening its air defense capabilities, and a number of countries are providing significant support in the form of F-16 fighter jets.
The Netherlands stands out with its commitment to supply 24 F-16s, and has already made the first deliveries. Similarly, Denmark plans to deliver 19 F-16s to Ukraine and delivered the first batch in 2024. Norway is considering the possibility of supplying between 6 and 22 F-16s. In a longer-term plan, Belgium aims to deliver 2028 F-30s to Ukraine by the end of 16.
In addition to direct aircraft suppliers, the United States, although not providing F-16s from its own stockpile, plays a critical role in training Ukrainian pilots. Romania has provided significant support by establishing a training center for Ukrainian pilots, while Canada is also providing financial support for pilot training. According to statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in March 2025, additional F-16s have arrived in the country, although the exact number has not yet been made public. This latest loss highlights the critical role F-16s play in Ukraine’s efforts to protect its airspace and counter Russian attacks, as well as the vulnerability of these modern fighter jets in combat.
