Summary and Key Points: Ukrainian pilots have recently begun flying American F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, marking a significant upgrade to their air capabilities.

-During a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack, Ukrainian F-16s successfully intercepted several cruise missiles, contributing to Ukraine's air defense efforts.

-However, Kyiv also experienced its first F-16 loss, with Lt. Col. Oleksiy “Moonfish” Mes shot down after intercepting multiple threats.

-While initial reports suggested friendly fire, U.S. officials believe the crash was due to mechanical failure or human error.

How Ukraine’s New F-16 Fighter Jets Are Enhancing Air Defense

Ukraine currently has about half a dozen operational F-16s, with European countries committed to sending more jets in the future.

Ukrainian pilots have been flying American F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets for a few weeks now. Kyiv worked very hard to get the United States to greenlight the transfer of the American-made fighter jets from several different European countries to Ukraine. The fourth-generation aircraft brings capabilities that the Ukrainians didn’t have until now. So, in these first few weeks, how have the Ukrainian F-16s performed? 

Interceptions and a Loss 

A few days ago, the Russian military launched the largest long-range attack against Ukraine since the start of the war. In the course of one night, the Russian military launched more than 230 suicide drones and ballistic and cruise missiles against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. 

The next morning, the Ukrainian Air Force announced that it had shot down 201 of the incoming munitions. The majority of the interceptions were the result of Kyiv’s powerful air defense umbrella, which employs a wide range of long-, medium-, and short-range air defense systems, including the MIM-104 Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T. 

However, some of the incoming Russian munitions were destroyed by Ukraine’s new F-16 fighter jets. Although the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense did not release specific numbers, it is estimated that the country’s swelling F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet intercepted several incoming cruise missiles. In terms of which munitions the F-16s intercepted, ballistic missiles are too far and suicide drones too slow. The Ukrainian Falcons focused mainly on the cruise missiles. 

Despite this success for Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jet fleet, Kyiv lost its first Fighting Falcon during the same engagement. Lt. Col. Oleksiy “Moonfish” Mes was flying his F-16 during the Russian missile and drone attack. He shot down three cruise missiles and one suicide drone but then went off the radio net. The destroyed aircraft was located on the ground soon after, “Moonfish” dead with his Falcon.  

“The loss of a pilot is incredibly painful to bear, especially as he was among those who fought for Ukraine’s right to have F-16 aircraft,” Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, a pilot and former Ukrainian Air Force officer, told the New York Times. 

“Regarding the aircraft, it’s important to understand that this is war, and unfortunately, losses are inevitable. We are fighting a state that can launch over 200 weapons at Ukraine in a single strike, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and combat drones,” the former Ukrainian Air Force officer added. 

Although initial reports suggested a friend fire incident, U.S. defense officials estimate that the F-16 fighter jet was not shot down by a Ukrainian MIM-104 Patriot air defense weapon. Instead, the crash was likely the result of mechanical malfunction or human error. 

The Ukrainian Air Force has about half a dozen F-16 fighter jets operational, with about a dozen pilots qualified to fly them. 

A group of European countries, including Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands, have committed to transferring dozens of old F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. The British, French, and American militaries have been helping train Ukrainian pilots. 

About the Author: 

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.

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