Ukraine F-16 Achieves First Air-to-Air Kill of Russian Su-35

Su-35 Downed Over Kursk

• 💥 A Russian Su-35 fighter jet was shot down over Kursk on June 7, 2025, confirmed by Ukraine's Air Force.
• 📹 Footage reportedly shows the burning wreckage of the Su-35, captured by a Ukrainian recon drone.

Air-to-Air Engagement Details

• ✈️ Unconfirmed reports suggest Ukraine used an F-16, possibly supplied by the Netherlands, to achieve the kill.
• 🎯 The Su-35 was reportedly engaged and downed by a U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.
• 💡 This event is significant as it may be the first time Ukraine has successfully downed a Su-35 in an air-to-air combat scenario.

Role of Swedish Surveillance Aircraft

• 📡 Speculation points to the involvement of a Swedish-made Saab 340 AEW&C (ASC 890) aircraft in the operation.
• 📈 This surveillance platform is believed to have provided crucial datalink capabilities and long-range target identification for the F-16.
• 🚀 The ASC 890's AESA radar can track targets up to 400 kilometers away, acting as a force multiplier for Ukrainian F-16s.

Significance of the AIM-120 AMRAAM

• 💨 The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a medium-range air-to-air missile capable of all-weather operation and beyond visual range engagements.
• 💰 It costs approximately $386,000 per unit, significantly less than the estimated $85 million cost of a Su-35.
• 📊 This strike represents a substantial return on investment for Ukraine, neutralizing a high-value Russian asset with a comparatively low-cost weapon.

Broader Implications and Russian Weaknesses

• 📉 The loss of the Su-35, the eighth confirmed during the war, highlights potential weaknesses in Russian military hardware.
• ❓ Questions are being raised about the actual combat effectiveness of the Su-35 in modern warfare, despite its advanced specifications.
• 🗺️ The strike also challenges Russia's claims of control over the Kursk region, demonstrating Ukraine's ability to conduct deep penetration raids.
• 🔄 Ukraine's F-16s are increasingly being used in offensive roles, moving beyond pure air defense to engage Russian forces on Russian territory.