Two Ukrainian F-16 Jets Hit in Russian Attack on Starokonstantinov Airfield: Unconfirmed Reports

Two Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets were reportedly damaged in a Russian attack on Starokonstantinov Airfield, located in western Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi region.

Russian media claims that the jets were hit by Kinzhal hypersonic missiles launched from a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet. These reports remain unconfirmed by Ukrainian or Western sources.

According to Russian news outlet RIA Novosti, Sergey Lebedev, the coordinator of the Russian volunteer detachment of the Nikolaev assault center, stated that the airfield was likely targeted due to the presence of F-16s. He suggested that foreign pilots might have been operating the jets. Russian sources allege that multiple strikes were conducted at the airfield as part of a broader effort to degrade Ukrainian military infrastructure.

However, the Russian Ministry of Defense’s briefing on September 26 did not mention any damage to F-16 jets. Ukrainian sources have also not confirmed the reports, and some pro-Ukrainian media have labeled the claims as misinformation. Ukrainian military channels confirmed that Russia had launched hypersonic missiles during the attacks, but specific details about the damage remain unclear.

The Starokonstantinov airbase has been a recurring target in Russian strikes due to its strategic importance. The F-16s stationed there are part of a recently delivered batch from the Netherlands.

Most Russian media reference the Voenno Delo [Military Business] Telegram channel, a Russian source. It reported that two F-16 fighters from the Netherlands were hit at the Starokostiantyniv airport, along with Su-24s, by four Russian MiG-31Ks using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.

Russian source Top War mentioned air alerts in Ukraine around 10:00 Moscow time due to the takeoff of MiG-31Ks, with reports of explosions at Starokostiantyniv airport and Kyiv. Around 11:00, another air alert followed with further explosions near the airport. Ukrainian Air Force confirmed hypersonic missile strikes. Later, an additional alert was triggered after another MiG-31K launch.

Military Watch Magazine claimed an airbase attack destroyed four newly delivered F-16s, while Russian sources reported Kinzhal missiles targeted an airfield in western Ukraine. Russian forces conducted strikes on September 21 using drones and missiles, including the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, to degrade infrastructure supporting Western aircraft. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many of these strikes, minimizing damage, according to reports from multiple outlets. Russian forces continue to target this base, potentially due to its role in F-16 operations, although other sources have not confirmed the F-16 damage.

The Kinzhal missile is often used against high-value NATO equipment. F-16s, unlike Soviet-origin fighters, require proper airfields, making them easier targets. F-16s arrived in Ukraine on August 1, with the first reported loss on August 26. Discussions around the effectiveness of F-16s and Ukrainian defense strategies have increased, especially given escalating Russian attacks. Western-provided F-16s, though outdated Cold War-era models, are expected to be used for long-range missile strikes.

Denmark and the Netherlands have allowed Ukraine to use F-16s for deep strikes, and the U.S. is considering supplying AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles. As NATO countries deplete their MiG-29 stocks, older F-16s are now a primary option for missile assaults on Russia. On September 16, Ukraine lost two Su-27s and a MiG-29 during aerial combat. The Su-27, with superior speed and range, is difficult to replace with lighter F-16s, as it plays a crucial role in air defense and interception.