Ukrainian F-16 shoots down Russian Su-35 in historic first

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet has shot down a Russian Su-35 in an air-to-air engagement for the first time since the US-made aircraft arrived in Ukraine two years ago, according to General Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine told US lawmakers on Tuesday that 'recently, we had the first air-to-air kill where a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter.' Ukrainian media reported the incident occurred on July 8 in eastern Ukraine, with the downed aircraft identified as an Su-35.

The claim has not been independently verified, and no footage or wreckage has been released. A Russian Telegram channel with purported links to Moscow's air force said three Ukrainian aircraft and a Patriot system targeted an Su-35, but the pilot survived. The New York Post and Newsweek both reported Caine's statement, with Newsweek noting that Caine did not identify the Russian aircraft type, while Ukrainian media specified the Su-35.

Ukraine received its first F-16s in summer 2024 after four NATO countries pledged roughly 80 jets. The aircraft have been used primarily for air defense, intercepting Russian missiles and drones. The July 8 engagement marks a shift to offensive air-to-air combat. Ukraine is believed to have 39 F-16s in service, with at least three lost, and expects seven more from Belgium this year.

The F-16 and Su-35 are both fourth-generation fighters, but the F-16 is more advanced than Ukraine's Soviet-era MiG-29s and Su-27s. This kill could boost Ukrainian morale and demonstrate the effectiveness of Western aid. However, experts caution that without visual evidence, the claim remains unconfirmed. The incident may also prompt Russia to adjust its air tactics.