Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Pavlo Ivanov Killed During Combat Mission
The 26-year-old's death, the second confirmed F-16 pilot loss, highlights the risks of Ukraine's advanced air operations as investigations into the incident continue.
- Pavlo Ivanov, a 26-year-old Ukrainian F-16 pilot, was killed during a combat mission on April 12, 2025, according to Ukraine's Air Force.
- This marks the second confirmed death of a Ukrainian F-16 pilot, following the loss of Oleksii 'Moonfish' Mes in August 2024.
- An interdepartmental commission is investigating the circumstances of Ivanov's death, with speculation about whether it was caused by a Russian missile or friendly fire.
- Ukraine's F-16 fleet, supplied by European allies, represents a significant upgrade from Soviet-era aircraft but operates under challenging conditions with daily high-risk missions.
- Russian forces are reportedly preparing renewed offensives in Kharkiv Oblast and other regions, intensifying the already volatile conflict.
Ukrinform 
Newsweek 
South China Morning Post 
The Independent 
