The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the loss of an F-16 while repelling a mass strike by the Russian Federation: 4 missiles shot down.

F-16 fighters used in air combat for the first Time during repulsion of a missile strike

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released new details about the tragic event that occurred on August 26, 2024, during the repulsion of a mass missile strike from Russia on the territory of Ukraine. According to the official report, F-16 fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were used for the first time during the operation together with anti-aircraft missile units.

The high efficiency of the F-16 confirmed by combat results

According to the General Staff, F-16 aircraft demonstrated high efficiency in air combat. They used onboard weapons to destroy four enemy cruise missiles. However, communication with one of the fighters was lost during the approach to the next target. Later, it was revealed that the aircraft crashed, and the pilot died.

The fallen pilot Oleksiy Mes became a hero, saving the lives of many Ukrainians

As previously reported by the Command of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the fallen pilot turned out to be Lieutenant Colonel Oleksiy Mes. In his last battle, he personally destroyed three cruise missiles and one strike drone, saving the lives of many Ukrainians at the cost of his own.

Oleksiy Mes, who was 30 years old, was born on October 20, 1993, in Lutsk. Before the fateful flight, he held the position of squadron support commander and deputy commander of the operational group. By order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksiy Mes was posthumously awarded the rank of colonel.

Farewell ceremony for the hero

On August 29, 2024, a farewell ceremony for the hero was held, attended by hundreds of people, including fellow pilots, commanders, subordinates, friends, and ordinary Ukrainians. During the ceremony, a pair of MiG-29 fighters piloted by Oleksiy's combat friends performed an honorary flyover over the procession.

Investigation of the causes of the accident

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that a special commission of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine had been appointed to investigate the causes of the accident, which is currently working in the crash area.

F-16 - Ukraine's new weapon

This tragic event coincided with the first combat use of F-16 fighters in Ukraine, which arrived in the country only a few weeks ago. Previously, it was reported that Ukraine received six of the 80 promised aircraft.