The post reports Ukraine achieving its first air-to-air kill with an F-16 (allegedly a Su-35), marking a shift from primarily using F-16s for defensive cruise-missile/drone interception to engaging Russian fighters. If accurate, it suggests new tactics and/or integration (sensors, datalinks, ground-based cueing) enabling beyond-visual-range fighter engagements despite radar/missile disadvantages.
← All innovations
tacticside: ukrainefirst seen 2026-07-01
Ukrainian F-16 scores first reported air-to-air kill vs Russian Su-35
SOURCES
- Defense News · https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/07/23/incredible-work-ukrainian-f-16-downs-russian-fighter-jet-for-first-time/‘Incredible work’: Ukrainian F-16 downs Russian fighter jet for first time