A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet crashed while repelling a Russian attack last Monday, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Thursday (29).
According to local authorities, the crash occurred at a time when F-16 aircraft were repelling a Russian attack, resulting in the interception of four cruise missiles after a Russian offensive with more than 200 missiles and drones against strategic areas of the energy sector. The aircraft ended up crashing, resulting in the death of the pilot.
According to Reuters, the US Defense Ministry will contribute to the investigation to determine whether the aircraft crash may have been related to human or mechanical failure.
Ukraine is estimated to be operating around six F-16s. Initial estimates suggest that Ukraine will receive between 80 and 100 of the 4th generation fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, with the majority coming from donations from the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and Norway.
Before the planes were delivered, dozens of Ukrainian military personnel, including fighter pilots and technical personnel, received training in Europe and the United States. Now, aviators and technicians will be able to employ the most popular fighter plane in the world to counterattack Russian troops. Moscow already has its sights set on possible Ukrainian bases that could receive the F-16s. The aircraft also becomes a target of interest.
To learn more details about the F-16 and its offensive capabilities, there is a special article that addresses the weapons that are equipping the Ukrainian F-16s, just click here. click here to access the article.
Read also