In a stunning development that could reshape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has reportedly downed a Russian Su-35 fighter jet, one of the most advanced aircraft in Moscow’s arsenal. The incident unfolded on June 7, 2025, at 07:05 local time over Kursk, as the Su-35 was on a routine patrol mission. Eyewitness accounts and social media erupted with claims of a historic victory for Ukraine, suggesting that an F-16 had executed the daring takedown. However, as details emerged, the reality turned out to be far more complex.

Initial reports ignited a media frenzy, with headlines proclaiming the triumph of Ukraine’s Western-supplied F-16s over Russian air superiority. Yet, the Ukrainian Air Force’s own statement refrained from confirming any air-to-air engagement, raising eyebrows and hinting at a deeper narrative. It soon became clear that the Su-35 was not brought down by an F-16 but rather by an American-made MIM-104 Patriot missile launched from one of Ukraine’s increasingly sophisticated ground-based air defense systems.

The Su-35 pilot, confident in his aircraft’s capabilities, was caught off guard by the reach of Ukraine’s air defense network, which has expanded its operational range into Russian territory. As the fighter patrolled at 27,000 feet, it became the target of a missile that operates beyond traditional jamming capabilities, striking with deadly precision. The pilot’s desperate maneuvers proved futile as the missile, traveling faster than Mach 5, closed in, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that scattered debris across the landscape.

This incident marks not just a tactical win for Ukraine but a significant psychological blow to Russian military confidence. The loss of an advanced fighter jet like the Su-35 forces Moscow to rethink its air operations and highlights the effectiveness of Ukraine’s integrated defense systems, which now demonstrate the ability to neutralize threats from hundreds of kilometers away. As the dust settles, the implications of this event resonate, leaving Russian pilots to wonder: who is watching them, and when will the next missile strike? The air war is evolving, and the stakes have never been higher.