The Ukrainian Air Force has confirmed the loss of another F-16 Viper fighter jet during an air defense operation against a Russian assault early on Friday morning.

The incident occurred when the pilot, engaged in repelling a Russian aerial offensive, was forced to eject after experiencing an emergency aboard the aircraft.

According to a statement published on Telegram, the Ukrainian pilot had successfully destroyed three aerial targets and was engaging a fourth using the aircraft's cannon when the emergency occurred.

The exact nature of the malfunction has yet to be determined, but the pilot was able to maneuver the aircraft away from populated areas before ejecting safely.

"Thanks to the prompt actions of the search and rescue team, the pilot was located and evacuated quickly," the Air Force reported.

"The pilot is currently in a safe location, and his life and health are not in danger." An investigation commission has been established to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This event marks the third confirmed loss of an F-16 for Ukraine since it began operating these U.S.-made fighters in July 2024, following the delivery of the first batch of aircraft promised by European allies.

To date, approximately 85 operational F-16s have been committed to Ukraine: 24 from the Netherlands, 19 from Denmark, 12 from Norway (plus an additional ten for spare parts), and 30 more announced by Belgium.

However, not all aircraft are currently active; some are being used for training purposes at the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) in Romania.

Although the cause of the incident is still under investigation, experts have frequently warned that using the F-16's cannon against small, slow-moving targets, such as drones or cruise missiles, carries significant risks.

This concern is particularly acute during nighttime operations.

Risks include the possibility of a direct collision with the target or even controlled flight into terrain due to the high speed and complexity of the combat environment.

"The speed and dynamics of combat can lead to controlled flight into the ground, in addition to the risk of colliding with the very object being targeted," a prior evaluation by the Air Force indicated.

"There is also the danger that cannon rounds, akin to grenades, may impact the ground over a wide area, endangering civilian lives."

Earlier losses of Ukrainian F-16s include the first incident in August 2024 during what was described as the largest Russian aerial bombardment since the war began.

Pilot Alexey Mes managed to down three cruise missiles and a kamikaze drone before his aircraft was struck.

His sacrifice was widely acknowledged by the Ukrainian Western Air Command, which praised his efforts to prevent critical infrastructure damage and civilian casualties.

The second confirmed loss occurred in April 2025 when 26-year-old pilot Pavlo Ivanov was killed during a combat mission.

The Air Force termed the event a "tragedy" and recognized the challenging conditions faced by Ukrainian pilots, who undertake daily missions in a highly hostile environment.

The recent loss of an F-16 comes at a critical juncture in the conflict, as Ukrainian forces confront intensifying pressure from the Russian military, which has escalated its advances across various fronts.

Nevertheless, a new prospect for de-escalation has emerged following a phone call from Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin, aimed at advancing a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force continues its defensive operations with a limited number of F-16s under extremely difficult combat conditions.

Despite the losses suffered, the pilots' commitment and the strategic significance of these aircraft in the theater of operations remain crucial to the country's air defense.