Overview

• The Ukrainian Air Force lost contact with an F-16 fighter jet early on May 16 during a defensive mission against a Russian aerial attack.
• The pilot successfully ejected after steering the aircraft away from a populated area and was rescued in stable condition by a search-and-rescue team.
• Preliminary reports suggest the pilot downed three airborne targets and was engaging a fourth when the aircraft suffered a technical malfunction.
• This incident marks the third F-16 loss since Ukraine began deploying Western-supplied fighter jets, highlighting the operational challenges of integrating advanced aircraft in combat conditions.
• An official commission has been established to investigate the cause of the malfunction, with inquiries already underway.