Ukraine loses F-16 fighter jet in repelling Russian air attack: pilot ejects

The Ukrainian Air Force reported the information.

On May 16, 2025, around 3:30 a.m., contact was lost with an F-16 aircraft. The Ukrainian fighter was carrying out a mission to repel a Russian air attack.

According to preliminary data, the pilot destroyed three aerial targets and was engaging a fourth, using the aircraft’s cannon.

“However, an emergency occurred on board. The pilot diverted the plane away from populated areas and successfully ejected,” the Air Force reported.

The pilot was quickly located and evacuated. His condition is satisfactory, he is in a safe place, and his life and health are not at risk.

A commission has been appointed to objectively investigate all the circumstances and has already begun its work.

• Norway plans to complete the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Armed Forces during 2025. Some of the aircraft have already been supplied.