Ukrainian F-16 Crashes During Combat Mission; Pilot Ejects Safely

A Ukrainian Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed on July 29, 2026, during a combat mission to intercept Russian aerial targets. The pilot ejected successfully and was transported to a hospital for medical examination. According to the Ukrainian Air Force statement, an emergency situation developed on board the aircraft, forcing the pilot to eject. Investigators and law enforcement personnel examined the crash site; no civilian casualties or property damage were reported.

This marks the fourth F-16 loss for the Ukrainian military since receiving the aircraft. Ukraine began receiving F-16s in August 2024 as part of a coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands, with initial deliveries of 10 aircraft. The first F-16 loss occurred on August 29, 2024, when pilot Alexey Mes' was killed during a Russian missile attack. A second F-16 crashed on April 12, 2025, with pilot Pavel Ivanov killed; both pilots were posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A third F-16 was lost on May 16, 2025, during defense against a Russian drone attack.

Ukraine was scheduled to receive additional F-16s throughout 2025 to build its air defense capabilities. According to reports, approximately 20 fighters of various types were lost by Ukraine in 2025. The F-16 remains a critical component of Ukrainian air defense operations against ongoing Russian military activity.