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On April 12, 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) command announced on Facebook that 26-year-old fighter pilot Pavlo Ivanov was killed during a combat mission in an F-16 Viper fighter jet.
The UAF statement went on to say:
“We extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family. He was killed in battle defending his native land from the invaders…”
“Today, F-16 pilots carry out combat missions in various directions in incredibly difficult conditions, carrying out destructive cover for air strike groups and striking enemy objects.”
On 12 April 2025, 26‑year‑old Pavlo Ivanov was killed while flying an F‑16 on a combat mission.
— Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) April 12, 2025
We offer our deepest condolences to Pavlo’s family. He gave his life in battle, defending his homeland from the occupiers. pic.twitter.com/ihynXBJy8J
According to the BBC, Ivanov’s F-16 was likely shot down by a Russian missile.
“In total, the Russians fired three missiles at the plane. It was either a guided anti-aircraft missile from the S-400 ground-based complex or an R-37 air-to-air missile,” said an official source.
The loss of the Viper is only the second confirmed loss of one of the relatively small numbers of the aircraft Ukraine has received from the NATO F-16 consortium.
The first loss was on Aug. 26, 2024, in which its pilot Oleksii “Moonfish” Mes also died, as the aircraft was responding to a major Russian missile attack.
