Ukraine's F-16 achieves first air-to-air kill, downs Russian fighter, top US General says

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet achieved its first known air-to-air victory, shooting down a Russian fighter aircraft.

The milestone was confirmed by Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine during a US Senate hearing.

Caine cited the engagement as evidence of Ukraine's growing air defense capabilities, aided by Western support.

The incident may be the July 8 downing of a Russian Su-35S multirole fighter, previously reported by Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine has received F-16s from a coalition including the Netherlands (24 aircraft), Denmark (19), Norway (22), and Belgium (30), with deliveries ongoing.