Ukrainian officials have launched an investigation into the crash of an F-16 fighter jet, which went down during a Russian bombardment earlier this week. The incident has prompted the involvement of US experts, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Ukraine’s Air Force Commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, announced on Telegram that a detailed analysis is underway to determine the cause of the crash. He emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the circumstances and identifying those responsible.
The Ukrainian military initially reported that the F-16 crashed while approaching a target during a Russian air strike on Monday, resulting in the pilot’s death. A US defense official, however, told Reuters that the crash did not appear to be caused by Russian fire. Possible causes being investigated include pilot error, mechanical failure, and even potential involvement of a Patriot air defense system.
While the US has not been officially requested to participate in the investigation, the involvement of US experts underscores the significance of the incident. The arrival of the first F-16 jets was a major milestone for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Military analysts acknowledge that the F-16s won’t be a game-changer in the war due to Russia’s substantial air force and sophisticated air defense systems. However, Ukrainian officials welcome the arrival of the supersonic jets, which can carry modern weapons used by NATO countries, as an opportunity to challenge Russia’s air superiority.
Controversy surrounding the crash arose after a Ukrainian lawmaker, Mariana Bezuhla, claimed that the F-16 was downed by a Patriot air defense system. Bezuhla’s claim, based on unnamed sources, has been met with sharp criticism from the Air Force Commander, who accused her of defaming the air force and discrediting US arms manufacturers. Oleshchuk urged for legal consequences for Bezuhla’s claims.
The Air Force has not explicitly denied the possibility of the F-16 being hit by a Patriot missile, but the focus of the investigation remains on establishing the true cause of the crash. The Institute for the Study of War has stated that the loss of Western-provided military equipment during the fighting is to be expected.
The investigation into the F-16 crash is ongoing, and the findings will likely provide valuable insights into the complexities of the war in Ukraine and the effectiveness of Western military aid.
