Ukrainian F-16 Shoots Down Russian Su-35 with Swedish Recon Support in Historic Aerial Clash. Historic Aerial Battle: Ukrainian F-16 Downs Russian Su-35 with Swedish Reconnaissance Support
In a significant escalation in the air war over Eastern Europe, a Ukrainian-operated F-16 fighter jet is believed to have shot down a Russian Su-35, an advanced air superiority aircraft, with crucial assistance from a Swedish-made Saab 340 AEW&C early warning system.
German news outlet Bild reported on June 9 that this aerial engagement occurred on June 7 in the Sumy region, near the Ukrainian-Russian border. It is described as the first recorded case of a Ukrainian F-16 downing a Russian Su-35 — a major milestone in Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied military technology.
Strategic Ambush in Kursk Region
The Ukrainian Air Force reportedly used F-16 fighter jets to strike Russian positions in both Ukrainian and Russian territory, specifically in Russia’s Kursk province. The operation was supported by a Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C surveillance aircraft, which tracked Russian fighter movements from long range.
Russia responded by deploying a high-tech Su-35 jet to intercept the Ukrainian aircraft. However, Ukrainian forces appear to have anticipated the maneuver. As the Russian fighter approached, the Ukrainian F-16 locked on and launched an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, successfully downing the Su-35 near Korenevo in Kursk.
Though the Russian pilot ejected safely, the incident marked a rare loss for the Russian Air Force. Ukrainian officials confirmed the shootdown but withheld tactical details. Open-source intelligence site Oryx later published photographic evidence of the destroyed Su-35, identifying it as the first such loss since February 2. To date, Russia has lost eight Su-35s during the war.
A New Phase in Ukraine’s Air Capabilities
If independently verified, this operation signals a turning point in Ukraine’s air combat strategy — demonstrating integrated use of Western aircraft and reconnaissance platforms. Military analyst Jake Broe commented on X (formerly Twitter):
“Russia lost another Su-35. Ukraine is now reportedly operating Swedish SAAB AEW&C aircraft alongside its F-16s. This capability took years to develop.”
Experts see this as a breakthrough that could allow Ukraine to more effectively neutralize Russian air and missile defenses.
Growing F-16 Fleet Strengthens Ukrainian Air Force
Ukraine began receiving U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets from Western allies in 2024. The aircraft were delivered by the Netherlands and Denmark to boost Ukraine’s air defense network against ongoing Russian attacks.
In total, Ukraine has been promised:
- 19 F-16s from Denmark
- 30 from Belgium
- 6 from Norway
Norwegian officials have pledged to complete deliveries by the end of 2025, while Belgium aims to accelerate its schedule, potentially delivering aircraft well before the original 2028 deadline.
While Kyiv has not disclosed the exact number of operational F-16s, it has confirmed the loss of three aircraft in combat thus far.
