For the first time in military history, a Western-made F-16 fighter jet has shot down a Russian Su-35 in direct air combat.
A Historic Air Battle Over Ukraine
This rare and powerful event took place on June 7, 2025, during a Ukrainian Air Force mission in northeastern Ukraine. It marks a turning point in air battles between modern fighter jets.
The battle occurred while Ukrainian forces were targeting Russian military positions in the Sumy region of Ukraine and Russia’s nearby Kursk region. During this mission, Ukraine used a Dutch-modified F-16AM fighter jet. It was supported in the sky by a Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C plane—an advanced airborne warning and control system, also known as AWACS.
The AWACS aircraft played a crucial role. Flying at high altitude, it scanned the skies and spotted a Russian Su-35 multirole fighter aircraft 200 to 300 kilometers away from the border. This early detection gave the Ukrainian forces a huge advantage. The AWACS quickly relayed the information to the F-16 pilot in real time, guiding the fighter jet toward its target.
When the F-16 reached a suitable range, it fired an AIM-120 advanced air-to-air missile. This missile is known for its speed and precision. The missile successfully struck the Su-35 inside Russian territory, about 16 kilometers from the border, near the town of Korenovo in the Kursk region.
A Costly Loss for Russia
The Su-35 is one of Russia’s most advanced fighter jets. It is equipped with powerful radar, long-range missiles, and can perform complex air maneuvers. Each aircraft costs around $100 million. Despite these strengths, the Su-35 has faced repeated losses during the ongoing war. This recent destruction by an older F-16AM only adds to the growing list.
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Russian sources confirmed the crash. They also stated that the pilot of the Su-35 managed to eject from the aircraft before it hit the ground. However, the loss of such a high-value jet has been seen as a serious blow to Russia’s air operations in the region.
Ukrainian forces involved in the operation safely returned to base. No Ukrainian aircraft were lost during the mission. The event was first reported by Ukraine’s Air Force, which confirmed the successful downing of the Russian Su-35 during the cross-border operation on June 7.
This shootdown is viewed as particularly significant because the F-16AM used is not the newest version. Still, with the right strategy, guidance, and support from the Swedish AWACS, the aircraft achieved a successful result against a newer and more advanced opponent.
New Equipment, New Capabilities
Ukraine only recently received its first batch of F-16 fighter jets in May 2025. These jets came from the Netherlands and the United States. Although the F-16AM is an older model, it remains highly capable when used with modern technology and support systems. The Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C plane, also a recent addition to Ukraine’s arsenal, was provided as part of a military aid package earlier in the year.
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The Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft is designed to detect enemy aircraft from long distances. It can guide friendly fighters to intercept enemy planes even before they become visible to the human eye or the fighter jet’s radar. This “eye in the sky” helped the Ukrainian pilot know exactly where the Russian jet was and how to approach it.
Analysts have pointed out that this was Ukraine’s first air-to-air kill using its newly received F-16s. While the F-16AM may be decades old, this success proves that, when supported by advanced tracking and targeting systems, it can still perform effectively in combat.
The success of this mission is being widely discussed because it involves a combination of new tactics, shared Western equipment, and precise coordination. It also raises questions about how much of an edge technology and teamwork can provide, even when using older aircraft.
This historic event also proves that with the right tools and timing, older fighter jets like the F-16AM can still win against more modern aircraft like the Su-35. The battle above Kursk serves as a clear example of how preparation, real-time data, and coordinated action can change the outcome of modern warfare.