Ukrainian F-16 downs Russian Su-35 in a historic first-ever air combat victory, showcasing the West’s technological edge in Ukraine’s evolving air defense capabilities.
At a Glance
- A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-35 on June 7, 2025, marking the first confirmed F-16 air-to-air kill in the conflict
- The operation utilized a Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C reconnaissance aircraft for target tracking, demonstrating enhanced inter-allied coordination
- The Russian jet crashed near Korenevo in Russia’s Kursk Oblast after being hit by an AIM-120 missile, though the pilot ejected safely
- This marks the 8th Su-35S lost by Russian Aerospace Forces since the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict
- Military experts view this as a significant advancement in Ukrainian air capabilities and a potential game-changer in the air war
Historic Air Combat Victory
Ukraine’s Air Force claims to have shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jet on June 7, 2025, in what appears to be the first confirmed air-to-air kill by a Ukrainian F-16. The incident occurred during a morning operation in the Kursk direction, with the Ukrainian Air Force announcing the victory through their official Telegram channel. While official details remain limited, multiple sources including German newspaper Bild have described the engagement as a “historic first” in the ongoing conflict.
The shootdown represents a significant milestone for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, particularly as the nation continues to integrate Western-supplied fighter jets into its operations. Russian military bloggers have acknowledged the loss, though there has been no official statement from Moscow regarding the incident. Footage circulating online appears to show wreckage of the aircraft as well as rescue operations for the ejected pilot.
Advanced International Coordination
What makes this engagement particularly noteworthy is the collaborative nature of the operation. According to reports, a Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C reconnaissance aircraft tracked the Russian jet, providing critical targeting data that allowed the Ukrainian F-16 to successfully engage the Su-35. This level of international coordination demonstrates the increasingly sophisticated nature of Ukraine’s defensive operations and the integration of NATO-standard equipment and tactics.
The incident occurred near the borders of northeastern Sumy and Russia’s Kursk region during an operation where Ukrainian fighter jets were bombing Russian positions. The Russian Su-35, reportedly on a mission to target Ukrainian aircraft, was detected by the Swedish reconnaissance platform, enabling the F-16 pilot to launch an AIM-120 missile that successfully struck the Russian jet. The addition of these medium-range air-to-air missiles represents a significant upgrade to Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
Strategic Implications
The Su-35S, a 4++ generation variant of the Su-27 Flanker, represents some of Russia’s most advanced fighter technology short of their fifth-generation aircraft. With advanced avionics, powerful engines, and sophisticated weaponry, these aircraft have provided Russia with significant air superiority advantages throughout the conflict. The loss marks the eighth Su-35S downed since the beginning of hostilities, according to the Oryx website, with the previous loss recorded on February 2.
This engagement follows a major drone attack by Ukraine’s SBU security service that reportedly targeted over 40 Russian military aircraft, suggesting an escalating focus on degrading Russian air power. The F-16s were provided to Ukraine after the Biden administration authorized Kyiv’s allies to supply them, representing a significant investment in Ukraine’s long-term defensive capabilities. Military experts suggest this successful engagement could mark a turning point in the air war component of the conflict.
While the details of this incident have not been independently verified by major international organizations, and both Russian and Ukrainian defense ministries have been contacted for official confirmation, the available evidence strongly suggests a significant advancement in Ukraine’s ability to challenge Russian air superiority. The continued integration of Western systems with Ukrainian determination appears to be altering the strategic calculus of the air campaign.