Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Killed in Combat Mission
A Ukrainian fighter pilot was killed during a combat mission on Saturday, when his F-16 Viper jet was shot down, Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) confirmed on Telegram. UAF identified the pilot as Pavlo Ivanov, 26. “We extend our deepest condolences to Pavlo’s family. He died in battle, defending his native land from the occupiers,” its statement read.
The Air Force did not provide the location or exact circumstances of the crash. However, Russian and Ukrainian military bloggers claimed the aircraft was brought down by a missile, possibly a Russian S-400 surface-to-air system or an R-37 air-to-air missile.
There is also speculation it may have been friendly fire. These claims, however, have not been confirmed.
Ukraine’s Air Force said an interdepartmental commission is investigating the incident.
The Air Force praised Ivanov for his service and bravery. “Ukrainian pilots are working to the fullest extent of their human and technical capabilities, risking their lives every time they carry out a combat mission. Pavlo was one of them.”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Ivanov the title of Hero of Ukraine, along with the Golden Star medal. In his official statement, Zelenskyy said Ivanov showed “personal courage and heroism” in defending the country.
The F-16s, recently delivered by European allies, are a key part of Ukraine’s effort to modernize its air force. They are used for intercepting missiles and drones, and attacking enemy targets.
Ivanov’s death marks Ukraine’s second confirmed loss of both an F-16 jet and its pilot. The first occurred in August 2024, when Oleksii “Moonfish” Mes was killed while responding to a Russian missile strike.
