US confirms Russian Su-35 downed by Ukrainian F-16
The US confirms a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian Su-35. We analyze the technical specs and the tactical controversy behind the first air-to-air success.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
US confirms Russian Su-35 downed by Ukrainian F-16 in first successful air-to-air engagement
On July 23, 2026, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed before the Senate that an F-16 fighter from the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a Russian Su-35 in an air-to-air engagement. It is the first time Washington has officially endorsed a victory by the fighters handed over to Kyiv. But the technical data raises a question: how could an F-16, with a 110 km radar range and 120 km missiles, shoot down a Su-35 equipped with a 400 km radar and 300 km missiles?
Official confirmation and technical skepticism
Caine's announcement marks a milestone in the air war. Until now, Ukrainian air-to-air victories had been attributed to Soviet systems or surface-to-air missiles. That an F-16 — a fighter designed in the 1970s — has outperformed a Su-35, considered the most advanced Russian fighter in service, defies the logic of the spec sheets. In fact, the Su-35's radar range (400 km) is four times that of the modernized F-16; the Russian R-37M missile reaches 300 km compared to the 120 km of the Ukrainian AIM-120C. In a long-range duel, the Russian fighter should see and fire first.
Tactical advantage or exception?
The available data in the discussion suggest the victory was not due to technological superiority but to tactical factors: possibly an ambush with ground support, or the use of third-party radar data (such as AWACS or ground stations). The move recalls last year's incident, when a Su-35 was shot down without its crew detecting the threat. In any case, a single shootdown does not change the balance of air power, but it does show that electronic warfare and coordination can level the playing field.
A turning point or an anecdote?
The Pentagon's decision to publicize this success has undeniable propaganda value: it legitimizes the F-16 deliveries and pressures for future transfers of fighters. But skeptics point out that, all things being equal, the Su-35 remains far superior. The question that remains is: will Ukraine repeat this maneuver, or was it a lucky strike in a context of asymmetric warfare?
On July 23, 2026, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed before the Senate that an F-16 fighter from the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a Russian Su-35 in an air-to-air engagement. It is the first time Washington has officially endorsed a victory by the fighters handed over to Kyiv. But the technical data raises a question: how could an F-16, with a 110 km radar range and 120 km missiles, shoot down a Su-35 equipped with a 400 km radar and 300 km missiles?
Official confirmation and technical skepticism
Caine's announcement marks a milestone in the air war. Until now, Ukrainian air-to-air victories had been attributed to Soviet systems or surface-to-air missiles. That an F-16 — a fighter designed in the 1970s — has outperformed a Su-35, considered the most advanced Russian fighter in service, defies the logic of the spec sheets. In fact, the Su-35's radar range (400 km) is four times that of the modernized F-16; the Russian R-37M missile reaches 300 km compared to the 120 km of the Ukrainian AIM-120C. In a long-range duel, the Russian fighter should see and fire first.
Tactical advantage or exception?
The available data in the discussion suggest the victory was not due to technological superiority but to tactical factors: possibly an ambush with ground support, or the use of third-party radar data (such as AWACS or ground stations). The move recalls last year's incident, when a Su-35 was shot down without its crew detecting the threat. In any case, a single shootdown does not change the balance of air power, but it does show that electronic warfare and coordination can level the playing field.
A turning point or an anecdote?
The Pentagon's decision to publicize this success has undeniable propaganda value: it legitimizes the F-16 deliveries and pressures for future transfers of fighters. But skeptics point out that, all things being equal, the Su-35 remains far superior. The question that remains is: will Ukraine repeat this maneuver, or was it a lucky strike in a context of asymmetric warfare?
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (13 replies).
More summaries
-
Drone strike on Tatarstan exposes holes in Russia's air defenses
13 dead and 39 injured in Nizhnekamsk after a wave of Ukrainian drones hit the heart of Russia's petrochemical industry, more than 1,000 km from the border.
-
Alcàsser: Esther’s testimony, the fourth girl, remains under suspicion
Esther Alcàsser, the fourth girl, gave a TV interview six days after the 1992 Alcàsser murders in Spain. Her account and timeline discrepancies fuel ongoing controversy.
-
Video shows NATO troops in combat in Ukraine as debate over their presence intensifies
A video shows wounded American troops on the Ukrainian front, with a Spanish-made Instalaza grenade launcher identified. The debate over NATO's direct involvement is reignited.
-
Zelensky declares national mourning after 11 hours of Russian attacks
30 civilians killed, hypersonic missiles and a Red Cross warehouse destroyed: Zelensky declares national mourning after an 11-hour combined Russian offensive.
-
From Ukraine to aliens: the conspiratorial turn of a pro-Russian YouTuber
A pro-Russian YouTuber has gone from predicting Russia's victory to talking about aliens. The turn to ufology is not innocent: it mixes geostrategy, disinformation and a proven business model.
-
European Parliament approves mass scanning of private communications
The European Parliament has approved Chat Control 1.0, allowing mass scanning of communications without a court order. Critics compare it to North Korea and China.