Ukrainian F-16 Achieves Historic First by Downing Russian Su-35

WHO:

NY Post - An American-made, Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet.

Newsweek - Ukraine.

WHAT:

NY Post - The Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet took out an airborne Russian Su-35 for the first time in the war.

Newsweek - Ukraine has been flying F-16s for roughly two years.

WHERE:

NY Post - The event involved a Russian Su-35 fighter jet.

WHEN:

Newsweek - Ukraine has been flying F-16s for roughly two years.

WHY:

Newsweek - The F-16s are often used to intercept Russian missile and drone assaults.

HOW:

NY Post - The F-16 fighter jet was involved in the action of taking out the Russian Su-35.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 04:04 UTC)

In a significant development for Ukraine, an American-made F-16 fighter jet successfully shot down a Russian Su-35, marking the first time this has occurred during the ongoing conflict. Ukraine has been operating F-16s for about two years, utilizing them primarily to intercept Russian missile and drone attacks. This latest engagement highlights the growing capabilities of Ukraine's air force in the face of ongoing hostilities.