Ukraine is shooting down their own F-16 jets with Patriot missiles according to ukraines deputy head of the parliament's defense committee
https://www.newsweek.com/us-experts-search-answers-ukrainian-f16-crash-1946724US Experts Search for Answers in Ukrainian F-16 Crash
Published Aug 30, 2024 at 11:14 AM EDT
experts have joined a Ukrainian investigation into the crash of an F-16 fighter jet that went down earlier this week during a Russian missile and drone barrage.
It's believed to be the first loss of an F-16 since Ukraine received the aircraft from its Western allies. At least six of the jets were delivered by European nations late last month.
Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk announced the partnership on Friday, stating that a detailed analysis is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
The crash happened on Monday as Russia launched a powerful aerial assault on Ukraine.
Oleshchuk emphasized the importance of understanding the circumstances and identifying responsibility for the loss.
Although military analysts are of the opinion that the F-16s may not drastically alter the balance in the conflict, given Russia's overwhelming air power and advanced defense systems, Ukrainian officials have welcomed the aircraft for its ability to carry modern NATO weapons and therefore challenge Russian air superiority.
But the downing has been raised some questions among Ukrainian officials.
Mariana Bezuhla, a Ukrainian lawmaker and deputy head of the parliament's defense committee, claimed that the F-16 was accidentally downed by a U.S.-made Patriot air defense system—an opinion that has been criticized by Oleshchuk.
Bezuhla, citing unnamed sources, called for accountability for the alleged error.
