KYIV, Ukraine — U.S. experts have joined a Ukrainian investigation into why an F-16 warplane that Ukraine received from its Western partners crashed earlier this week during a Russian bombardment, the country’s air force commander said Friday.
Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on Telegram that “a detailed analysis is already being conducted” into why the fighter jet went down on Monday, when Russia launched a major missile and drone barrage at Ukraine.
“We must carefully understand what happened, what the circumstances are, and whose responsibility it is,” Oleshchuk wrote in the post.
The crash was the first reported loss of an F-16 in Ukraine, where they arrived at the end of last month. At least six of the warplanes are believed to have been delivered by European countries.
Military analysts say the planes won’t be a game-changer in the war, given Russia’s massive air force and sophisticated air defense systems. But Ukrainian officials welcomed the supersonic jets, which can carry modern weapons used by NATO countries, for bringing an opportunity to hit back at Russia’s air superiority.
Russia’s army is making slow but gradual progress in its drive into eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine’s forces are holding ground in the Kursk border region of western Russia after a recent incursion.
Oleshchuk, the Ukrainian air force chief, directed scathing criticism at a lawmaker who is deputy head of the Ukraine parliament’s defense committee for her claims that the F-16 was downed by a Patriot air defense system. Ukraine has received an unspecified number of the U.S.-made systems.
Mariana Bezuhla cited unnamed sources for her claim and demanded punishment for those responsible for the error.
Oleshchuk accused Bezuhla of defaming the air force and discrediting U.S. arms manufacturers, adding that he hoped she would face legal consequences for her claims.
The air force didn’t directly deny that the F-16 was hit by a Patriot missile.
The Institute for the Study of War said it was to be expected that Ukraine would lose some Western-provided military equipment in the fighting.
But the Washington-based think tank added that “any loss among Ukraine’s already limited allotment of Western-provided F-16s and trained pilots will have an outsized impact on Ukraine’s ability to operate F-16s in the near term as part of its combined air defense umbrella or in an air-to-ground support role.”
Overnight, Russia fired 18 Shahed drones and one ballistic missile at Ukraine, the air force said. It said 12 drones were destroyed, with four more going down before reaching their target.
The attack killed one woman and started a fire in Sumy, the capital of the region of the same name that borders Russia’s Kursk region, the regional administration said.
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Ukraine is seeking assistance from US experts to investigate the recent crash of a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet. The aircraft went down during a training exercise in the country’s western region, killing the pilot and causing significant damage to the surrounding area.
The Ukrainian government has reached out to the United States for help in determining the cause of the crash and ensuring that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. The US has a wealth of experience and expertise in investigating aviation accidents, and their assistance will be crucial in uncovering the root cause of this tragic incident.
The crash of the F-16 has raised concerns about the safety of Ukraine’s military aircraft and the training programs for its pilots. The Ukrainian government is committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its air force, and working with US experts is seen as a key step in achieving this goal.
In addition to investigating the crash itself, US experts will also provide guidance on improving safety protocols, training procedures, and maintenance practices for Ukraine’s fleet of fighter jets. By working together, both countries can enhance their capabilities and ensure that their military aircraft operate at the highest level of safety and efficiency.
The collaboration between Ukraine and the US on this investigation highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing aviation safety issues. By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, countries can work together to prevent accidents and improve the overall safety of their air forces.
As the investigation into the F-16 crash continues, both Ukraine and the US are committed to uncovering the truth behind the incident and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Through their partnership, they hope to strengthen their military capabilities and ensure the safety of their pilots and aircraft.
