F-16 Fighting Falcon
President Zelensky stated that Ukrainian pilots are training in Sweden, and soon "Gripens" will appear in the sky. Work with France on the supply of "Rafale" fighters is ongoing.
Dimitar Stoyanov stated that the aircraft are needed only as a source of spare parts. The opposition accused the government of trying to pit Bulgaria's security against support for Ukraine.
Polish military were unable to intercept the Russian Kh-101 cruise missile due to a legislative requirement for visual identification of the target. The missile flew about 100 km deep into the country and exploded in the Lublin Voivodeship.
Bulgaria is considering the purchase of used F-16s or Gripens due to delays in new aircraft. Defense Express warns of potential competition for aircraft for Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Rutte condemned the violation of Polish airspace by a Russian missile. The Alliance activated air defense and ground defense assets, and the incident is under investigation.
The State Bureau of Investigation has launched a pre-trial investigation into the crash of an F-16 in the Kremenchuk district. The pilot managed to eject, and his life is not in danger.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the country was ready to shoot down a Russian Kh-101 ballistic missile during an attack on Ukraine. The missile fell near the town of Tarnawa-Kolonia, with no casualties.
In the Lublin Voivodeship of Poland, a crater was discovered after a rocket flew over during Russia's attack on Ukraine. Local residents heard a loud explosion at night.
On July 29, 2026, communication with the F-16 was lost due to an emergency on board. The pilot ejected and was evacuated to a hospital, there are no casualties.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with American senators at the US Capitol. He emphasized the need for air defense systems and interceptor missiles to protect against ballistic missiles.
The President of Ukraine met with the team of Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of F-16 and missiles for Patriot. The sides discussed the development of cooperation, joint production, and technology exchange.
On July 27, a drone entered Romania's airspace 36 km east of Sulina. Two F-16 aircraft were scrambled for monitoring, after which the drone crossed the border back into Ukraine, where explosions were heard.
Romania spent about 1. 5 million euros over three days to shoot down three Russian drones. Most of the costs are AIM-9X missiles worth $400,000 each.
Romanian President reported the destruction of a Russian drone by an F-16 fighter. The downed drone turned out to be of the "Shahed" type, which is used by the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
The US Navy has selected the RAACM-ER cruise missile for the CHAOS project, which is developing low-cost long-range weapons for allies. The new version has a range of over 1,800 km, which is 4 times greater than the baseline RAACM.
Russian military and analysts have begun to complain about the high accuracy of the new American AGM-188A Rusty Dagger cruise missiles. These missiles are likely being used by the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Acting Minister of Defence of Ukraine Yevhenii Khmara discussed strengthening air defence with the new UK Defence Minister. Ukraine counts on support for the project to supply Gripen fighters and Meteor missiles.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan reported the downing of a drone by an F-16 fighter. The UAV was neutralized in an uninhabited area 10 km from the city of Sfântu Gheorghe.
A Russian drone violated Romania's airspace on July 24, flying over 350 km. It was shot down by a Romanian F-16 fighter after being intercepted by four aircraft.
NATO scrambled two Romanian F-16s and two Italian Eurofighters to identify a drone over Romania. The drone was shot down in the country's airspace after receiving permission.
A Russian attack drone with real-time control channels crossed the border of Romania, a NATO country. The spokesman of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine suggests that this could have been intentional.
A Romanian pilot in an F-16 aircraft shot down a drone that entered the country's airspace. The incident occurred over an uninhabited area near the town of Padina.
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine reported the first downing of a Russian fighter jet by a Ukrainian F-16. The statement was made during Senate hearings on July 21.
The US is strengthening military aviation in the Middle East due to the escalation with Iran, deploying fighter jets from Europe. Trump is considering options for action, including seizing the Iranian hub, but diplomacy remains open.
Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov reported on a new delivery of mobile F-16 simulators. The simulators are designed specifically for Ukrainian pilots and will allow increasing the intensity of training.
President Zelenskyy announced agreements on receiving additional F-16 fighter jets. The key issue remains the urgent training of pilots for their use.
European partners may finance the purchase of ten L-39NG Skyfox training and combat aircraft. The aircraft have been equipped with the capability to use underwing machine guns and missiles for intercepting drones.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of Belgium to discuss military support. The first F-16 fighter jets will arrive in Ukraine as early as this year.
Zelenskyy announced the strengthening of air defense and the acquisition of Patriot missiles at Ramstein. Eleven partner countries supported new defense packages for Ukraine.
Belgium will transfer seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of this year. Three aircraft will defend the skies, while four will be used as spare parts.