Ukrainian forces lost a third F-16 during an unprecedented Russian air assault involving 477 drones and 60 missiles overnight on 29 June. The fighter jet, piloted by Col. Maksym Ustymenko, was reportedly shot down after engaging multiple aerial targets. Ustymenko destroyed seven threats before steering his damaged aircraft away from populated areas.
This marks Ukraine’s third confirmed F-16 loss since deliveries began. Kyiv hasn’t said how many operational aircraft there are, but they have said many times how important they are for countering Russian air dominance.
President Zelensky asked Western partners to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences by sending Patriot batteries right now and continuing to provide strategic support. Despite having a lot of success in intercepting missiles, the strike showed that Ukraine’s multilayer air defence system has certain weak points.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
