Russian media outlets are spreading claims that former spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yurii Ihnat, allegedly admitted that the F-16 fighter jets transferred to Ukraine “cannot compete in air battles with Russia's 'technological aircraft’”. Propagandists cite a purported quote from Ihnat:  

“Yes, we received older modifications of the F-16s from our partners. These planes lack powerful radars and long-range missiles to compete independently in air battles against Russia’s technological aircraft”.  

In reality, the words of the former Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson were distorted, according to a report by StopFake. The claims reference a January 7, 2025, post on the official Facebook page of the Ukrainian Air Force, where Ihnat praised the achievements of a Ukrainian pilot who, during a large-scale attack on December 13, 2024, set a record by destroying six (!) cruise missiles in a single sortie.  

Later in the post, Ihnat did acknowledge that Ukraine received older modifications of the F-16, but this did not diminish their combat effectiveness. Here is what he actually stated: “Of course, we would prefer to receive more advanced F-16 modifications with stronger radars and long-range missiles, as competing in air battles against Russia’s technological aircraft alone is quite challenging. But our young Ukrainian pilots prove every day that they are the best—whether in the cockpit of a Soviet or an American fighter jet!” 

This statement underscores Ihnat’s recognition that more advanced F-16 models with upgraded technology would better address modern warfare challenges. However, it does not imply that the existing F-16s are ineffective or incapable. Moreover, he praised the professionalism and skill of Ukrainian pilots, directly refuting the Russian narrative about the “insufficient effectiveness” of F-16 jets.  

Previously, we analyzed false Russian claims alleging that Ukraine’s partners provided defective F-16 fighter jets.