Tension for US as Russian S-400 downs Ukrainian 'Made in America' F-16 fighter jet; soldiers rewarded for...
Tension for US as Russian S-400 downs Ukrainian 'Made in America' F-16 fighter jet; soldiers rewarded for…
S-400 Destroys F-16: Amid the ongoing war with Ukraine, Russia claimed that its powerful air defence system S-400 had shot down a Ukrainian F-16 fighter aircraft. This is the first time that the S-400 has destroyed a US-made F-16 fighter jet. Following the development, the private companies and authorities have rewarded the soldiers who were operating the S-400. However, the incident has increased America's tension as it is known for its high-tech fighter jets in the world. Notably, the US has sold the F-16 to dozens of countries, including Pakistan, who are using it for their air defence. Russian Company Rewards S-400 Crew
As per a report by TASS, the Foros company, which produces proppants for the Russian oil industry, has rewarded the 12 crew members with15 million Rubles (about USD195,000). The report states that the ceremony was held on May 29 in the presence of commanding officers in the border region. Speculation Of Inclusion Of Su-35
Initial reports suggested the Su-35S fighter jet might have assisted the S-400 air defence system in targeting the F-16. This theory posited that the F-16's low altitude and distance from the S-400 hindered the system's ability to engage it independently. However, the lack of a Su-35S pilot among those recognized for the F-16's downing indicates the S-400 system alone successfully detected, tracked, and destroyed the Ukrainian aircraft. Another Reward From Forus
While speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Forus Director General Sergei Shmotyev said that his company will pay an amount of Rs 15 million Rubbles for the first F-16 fighter shot down in Ukraine. On May 16, the Ukrainian Air Force reported through its Telegram channel that its Air Force lost contact with the F-16 while it was performing unspecified 'task'. What Ukraine Said On The F-16 Crash?
Ukraine said, 'On May 16, 2025, at about 03:30 [00:30 GMT], contact with the F-16 aircraft was lost. The Ukrainian fighter was performing operations… An emergency situation developed on board the aircraft. The pilot successfully ejected, steering the aircraft away from a populated area.'
The pilot ejected safely, and a commission has been appointed to investigate the incident.
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