Loss of military equipment and aircraft during combat operations is a common occurrence, and Ukraine, like other countries, inevitably faces the loss of weapons provided by Western allies. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War commented on the first loss of a Ukrainian F-16 and the death of pilot Oleksiy Mes as a result of attacks on 26.
This was reported by URA-Inform, citing an ISW report.
According to ISW experts, the loss of one of the limited number of F-16 aircraft and trained personnel provided to Ukraine will significantly impact on Ukraine's ability to use these aircraft in the near future. This will make it difficult for the F-16s to be integrated into the overall air defense system and used as attack aircraft.
On August 29, the General Staff confirmed that Ukraine had lost an F-16, and the pilot , Alexey Mesya, died. Currently, the Ministry of Defense has appointed a special commission to investigate the causes of the accident, which is working at the scene.
We also reported on why the West does not allow Ukraine to fire missiles at the Russian Federation.