Ukrainian F-16 pilot killed during combat mission as air force confirms loss

“Today, F-16 pilots carry out combat missions almost daily under extremely difficult conditions,” the statement read. “They provide fighter cover for strike aviation groups and carry out attacks on enemy positions.”

The Air Force also stressed the extreme demands placed on its personnel, noting: “Ukrainian pilots operate at the limits of human and technical capacity, risking their lives each time. Pavlo was one of them.”

The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation, with a joint interagency commission set up to determine the cause. Officials have not disclosed the location of the mission or confirmed whether enemy fire was involved.

The incident follows a pattern of increased use of American-built F-16 aircraft by Ukrainian forces in recent months. These jets are now contributing to both defensive and offensive operations across several active fronts.

Ukraine first received its F-16s in August 2024, marking a significant milestone in modernising its air force. Later that same month, Ukraine lost its first F-16 during a large-scale Russian attack, with the pilot killed after losing communication while engaging targets.