U.S. Says Ukrainian F-16 Downed Russian Su-35 in First Air-to-Air Victory
Ukraine has reportedly recorded its first confirmed air-to-air victory with a Western-supplied F-16, downing a Russian Su-35 fighter jet over eastern Ukraine. The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, told U.S. lawmakers that a Ukrainian F-16 destroyed a crewed Russian aircraft in aerial combat. The development aligns with earlier reports of an Su-35 loss in the area. Ukraine has mainly deployed its F-16s against cruise missiles and drones. The reported engagement suggests the aircraft may now be playing a wider role against Russian fighters, using weapons such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and battlefield intelligence support. Military analysts say the reported victory could strengthen confidence in further Western military assistance to Ukraine, including aircraft parts, missiles and other equipment.
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