Ukraine loses another F-16 fighter while repelling Russian attack

Ukraine lost an F-16 fighter while repelling a Russian attack on the night of Thursday to Friday, the country's air force reported on Telegram.

As written, according to preliminary data, the pilot destroyed three air targets and was preparing to destroy the fourth when "an extraordinary situation occurred on board". The pilot moved away from the inhabited area and ejected.

The air force soldier was quickly found and evacuated. His condition is "satisfactory", the pilot is in a safe place. The health and life of the soldier are not in danger - it was reported.

A commission was appointed to clarify the circumstances of the incident.

This is the third F-16 that Ukraine has lost in combat. Two pilots were killed in previous accidents.

The first F-16s arrived in Ukraine on July 31, 2024. The authorities in Kiev did not disclose how many machines they received at that time. The coalition consisting of Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium committed to transfer about 60 aircraft. (PAP)

mw/ shm/