Ukrainian F‑16 pilot dies in mission: Investigation ongoing
A 26-year-old Ukrainian F-16 pilot, Pavlo Ivanov, has died. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, he was killed during a combat mission. "He died in battle, defending his homeland from the occupiers," the statement said. The military has not disclosed specific details of the mission.
What do you need to know?
- When and where did the pilot die? Pavlo Ivanov died on April 2 during an F-16 combat mission, though details of his death have only been revealed now.
- What are the circumstances of the tragedy? All details are being investigated by an interagency commission, which has already begun its work.
- What are the actions of Ukrainian pilots? Ukrainian F-16 pilots conduct combat missions daily, providing cover and attacking enemy targets.
What are the details of the combat mission?
According to military information, Ivanov died on April 2 during an F-16 combat mission, but the loss has only been disclosed now.
"Military reports were needed regarding this combat situation. We are determining all the circumstances," the published statement reads.
"Ukrainian F-16s, Mirages, MiGs, and all our combat aviation are heroically carrying out military tasks, protecting our country and supporting ground operations. The Air Force is also involved in protecting Ukraine from Russian missiles and drones," the Ukrainian Air Force emphasized.
"Ukrainian pilots work to the maximum of human and technical capabilities, constantly risking their lives while performing combat missions. Pavlo was one of them! Eternal flight, Hero!" it was indicated.
F-16 in service for Ukraine
It is not known exactly how many F-16 planes are currently in Ukraine's possession. "They fly every day; they’ve defeated large number of cruise missile threats, and they’ve delivered an awful lot of offensive attacks as well, specifically bombing attacks in the east," said General Christopher G. Cavoli, serving as Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of U.S. European Command, in March before Congress.
It is known that Kyiv received aircraft from European countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark.
On March 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced another delivery of Western fighter jets, although he did not specify how many aircraft had reached Ukraine.
So far, the loss of one aircraft has been confirmed—most likely due to friendly fire—which occurred in August 2024. The loss took place shortly after the introduction of the fighters into combat.
