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Report Indicates Severe Losses in Ukrainian Aviation, Including F-16, Mirage, and Modernized Soviet Fighters
Since the beginning of the war with Russia, Ukraine has already lost 90 aircraft, according to an updated report in July 2025. The estimated cost of the losses exceeds €1.5 billion, considering destroyed platforms, parts, training, and logistics.
The information was published by the portal Forças de Defesa, based on records from the Ukrainian Air Force and publicly available data compiled on Wikipedia. The list includes everything from Soviet aircraft to newly integrated Western jets, such as American F-16s and French Mirages.
What Was Lost and How Much It Costs
The list of losses reveals the direct impact of air warfare and the complexity of maintaining an air force in contested territory. Among the models shot down or destroyed on the ground are:
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- 24 MiG‑29
- 16 Su‑27
- 23 Su‑24
- 19 Su‑25
- 3 An‑26 (transport)
- 2 Il‑76 (heavy transport)
- 3 F‑16 Fighting Falcon
- 1 Mirage 2000‑5F
The loss of €1.5 billion, reported by Ukrainian media, takes into account the market value of the aircraft, associated equipment, pilot training, and operational costs. A single modern fighter like the F-16 can exceed US$ 60 million in acquisition and integration costs.
Allies Still Support the Replacement
Despite the losses, Ukraine continues to receive international support. Countries like Poland and Slovakia have sent more MiG-29 units, while Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway continue to deliver F-16s. France also contributed six units of the Mirage 2000‑5F — of which one has already been shot down.
Replacing the old Soviet aircraft, which are hard to maintain, with modern jets takes time, technical structure, and logistical adaptations. The transition has been slow, but it is considered strategic to maintain a minimum air capability against Russian defenses.
Russian System Inflicts Heavy Losses
Russian forces continue to use advanced anti-air systems such as the S-400, in addition to mobile radars, electronic warfare, and kamikaze drones. Some Ukrainian MiG-29s were destroyed while still in hangars, in precision strikes with guided munitions.
This scenario emphasizes the challenges faced by Ukraine: modernizing its fleet while surviving the wear and tear of war and resource limitations. The number of aircraft out of combat indicates that the country will still rely on the help of allies for an indefinite time to maintain minimal air operations.
Do you believe that aviation will still be decisive in the conflict in Ukraine? Or have drones and missiles already replaced the role of traditional fighters? Share your thoughts below.
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