F-16 Fighting Falcon News

April 14, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Ukrainian Air Force has confirmed the loss of one of its F-16 pilots, Captain Pavlo Ivanov, who died during a combat operation. His death marks a somber moment in Ukraine’s efforts to integrate Western fighter jets into its front-line defenses against Russian aggression.
Captain Ivanov was conducting a combat sortie when his aircraft was downed under circumstances that have not been publicly detailed. The Air Force reported his death in an official statement, honoring him as a hero who served with “honor and courage.”

Military authorities have not disclosed the location or the specific mission details due to operational security, but sources within the defense establishment noted that he was flying an F-16 during the mission.

Pavlo Ivanov was a seasoned fighter pilot who transitioned to the F-16 following training provided by Ukraine's Western allies. His colleagues have described him as a disciplined, dedicated officer who quickly adapted to the complexities of flying a 4th-generation multi-role fighter in high-threat combat zones.

Ivanov’s death marks the second confirmed loss of an F-16 pilot in Ukrainian service. The first, Captain Oleksii Mes, was killed in August 2024, also during a combat operation.

Ukraine received its first F-16s in late 2024, and the aircraft quickly became a key component of Ukraine's air defense strategy. The jets are flown by pilots who underwent extensive training abroad and are equipped with modern Western munitions such as AIM-120 AMRAAMs and JDAM-ERs.

Despite their advanced capabilities, Ukrainian F-16s operate in a hazardous environment, often facing formidable Russian air defenses and electronic warfare threats.

Captain Pavlo Ivanov’s death is a stark reminder of the risks faced by Ukrainian airmen in their defense of national sovereignty. His sacrifice will be remembered as part of Ukraine's ongoing struggle to secure its skies and push back against occupation.