One of the newly deployed F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies has been destroyed in Ukraine, according to reports from Ukrainian military officials. The aircraft was lost during a significant Russian missile barrage on Monday, resulting in the tragic death of pilot Oleksiy Mes. This incident marks the first loss of an F-16 since their arrival in the region earlier this month.
Ukrainian military sources have indicated that the crash was not directly caused by an enemy missile strike. Before the loss of the aircraft, the pilot successfully engaged and destroyed three cruise missiles and one drone during what has been described as Russia’s most extensive aerial attack to date.
The Ukrainian Air Force issued a statement honoring Mes, noting that he “saved Ukrainians from deadly Russian missiles, unfortunately at the cost of his own life.” Reports confirm that Mes was indeed piloting an F-16 during the mission.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly acknowledged on Tuesday that the US-made F-16s are being utilized to counter Russian drones and missiles. In line with Ukraine’s ongoing defense strategy, he has urged allies to provide long-range missiles to target deeper within Russian territory.
In a significant commitment, Dutch Chief of Defence Gen. Otto Eichelsheim announced that the Netherlands would supply 24 F-16 jets to Ukraine, along with additional weaponry. He emphasized that there would be no restrictions on the aircraft’s use beyond compliance with humanitarian laws, potentially allowing Ukraine to conduct deeper strikes inside Russia.
Since US President Joe Biden authorized European allies to send F-16s to Ukraine in August 2023, approximately 65 jets have been pledged by NATO countries. These F-16s are expected to work in conjunction with a limited number of Western-supplied surface-to-air missile systems, such as Patriot and NASAMS, already deployed on the ground.
Additionally, these fighter jets will enhance defense capabilities against Russian glide bombs—unguided munitions equipped with wing kits for precision strikes, akin to the JDAM munitions used by the United States.
The destruction of the aircraft represents a setback for President Zelensky, who is preparing to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden next month. Furthermore, he revealed that Ukraine has recently conducted a successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile, though details surrounding the test remain undisclosed.
