107th Aviation Wing (Ukraine)

Military unit of the Ukrainian Air Force 107th Aviation Wing 107-ме авіаційне крило Ukrainian f 16 patch 107oak.jpg Shoulder patch depicting UAF F-16 above unit insignia 2024 – present Ukraine Ukraine 25px Air Force Aviation Air defence Wing Russo-Ukrainian War 200pxFor Courage and Bravery Former Insignia 50px|center Roundel 50px|center Fin flash 75px|center Air force aviation insignia F-16 Fighting Falcon The 107th Separate Aviation Wing is a formation of the Ukrainian Air Force, operating the Western built F-16. Due to operational secureness, it is not known where the Wing is based, how many F-16s it operates, or whether all the F-16s Ukraine received are in service with the unit as of February 2026. The Ukrainian F-16 fleet, and tactical aviation operations in general, are highly decentralized. Aircraft may scramble from one location and land back at a different air base. This dispersion tactic is used to make it harder for Russian forces to target or intercept Ukrainian aircraft. For this purpose, Ukraine has introduced truck-based mobile complexes for mission planning, maintenance, and rearmament of F-16.https://aviationweek.com/defense/budget-policy-operations/ukrainian-air-force-units-moving-dispersed-bases Ukrainian Air Force Units Moving To Dispersed Bases Aviation Week 26 November 2025 15 February 2026https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-new-way-keep-f-16s-moving-strategy-west-looking-2025-7 The smart way Ukraine is keeping its F-16s safe from Russia could be key to airpower survival in modern war businessinsider 31 July 2025 15 February 2026 This strategy has most likely influenced Ukraine's decision to procure the Swedish-made Saab JAS 39 Gripen, which was designed for decentralized operations in Sweden's heavily forested terrain.https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/world/europe/ukraine-gripen-fighter-jets-sweden-saab.html#:~:text=For%20Ukraine%2C%20a%20country%20with,refueled%20in%20tough%2C%20cold%20conditions. What Are Gripen Fighter Jets and Why Does Ukraine Want Them? The New York Times 22 December 2025 15 February 2026https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/how-swedens-austere-basing-system-influenced-the-gripen/139316.article How Sweden's austere basing system influenced the Gripen FlightGlobal 16 July 2020 15 February 2026 History Russo-Ukrainian War The unit was created in 2024 as first of its kind. Historically Ukraine organized its air assets into Aviation Brigades. This can be seen as a step of Ukraine's effort to modernize and restructure its armed forces.https://atez72.blogspot.com/2025/08/blog-post_6.html Кілька слів про крила blogspot 6 August 2025 13 February 2026 uk The unit draws from pilots of several Aviation Brigades, including the 299th Tactical Aviation Brigade. They were sent to Romania to be trained on the F-16, as part of the F-16 training coalition.https://mil.in.ua/en/news/romania-debuts-f-16-center-hosts-ukrainian-pilots-for-joint-exercises/ Romania Debuts F-16 Center, Hosts Ukrainian Pilots for Joint Exercises mil.in.ua 14 November 2023 On 26 August 2024, the 68th Network Warfare Squadron of the United States Air Force reported that it had worked with Danish, Norwegian and Ukrainian specialists to install, program and adapt a number of electronic warfare systems for the delivery of aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force.Gordon Chris 2024-08-26 How USAF Helped Ukraine Upgrade Its F-16 Electronic Warfare https://www.airandspaceforces.com/ukraine-f-16-electronic-warfare-us-air-force/ 2026-02-21 Air & Space Forces Magazine en-US On 3 August 2025 a battle flag was presented to the deputy commander of the Aviation Wing by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/volodimir-zelenskij-privitav-voyiniv-povitryanih-sil-zsu-ta-99293 Volodymyr Zelenskyy Congratulated Air Force Warriors and Presented State Awards President of Ukraine 3 August 2025 13 February 2026 In February 2026, Yurii Ihnat denied rumours that the aviation wing contained privately contracted pilots from the United States and the Netherlands.aaron.josh.spray@gmail.com 2026-02-18 Ukraine denies reports of foreign F-16 pilot squadron https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/ukraine-f16-foreign-pilots-claim-denied/ 2026-02-21 AGN en-enD'Urso Stefano 2026-02-17 U.S. and Dutch Pilots Allegedly Flying Ukrainian F-16s in Combat, Sources Say https://theaviationist.com/2026/02/17/us-and-dutch-pilots-allegedly-flying-ukrainian-f-16s/ 2026-02-21 The Aviationist en-US2026-02-16 Ukraine/United States • US, Dutch veterans bolster Ukraine air force's F-16s in skies above Kyiv https://www.intelligenceonline.com/europe-russia/2026/02/16/us-dutch-veterans-bolster-ukraine-air-force-s-f-16s-in-skies-above-kyiv,110628200-art 2026-02-21 Intelligence Online enKossov Igor 2026-02-17 US, Dutch veterans join international F-16 squadron defending Kyiv https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/02/17/us-dutch-veterans-join-international-f-16-squadron-defending-kyiv/ 2026-02-21 Euromaidan Press en-USthumb|A Ukrainian Air Force F-16 equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder SRAAMs.In late September 2026, the Wall Street Journal reported that more than half of the F-16s supplied to Ukraine may be unavailable for active combat duty due to delays in scheduled maintenance in Europe.Board The Editorial 2026-09-29 Opinion Ukraine Has an F-16 Emergency https://www.wsj.com/opinion/ukraine-f-16-maintenance-delays-russia-sabena-engineering-85ca626a 2026-10-11 Wall Street Journal en-US 0099-9660Spray Aaron 2026-10-01 Ukraine's F-16 fleet hit by prolonged maintenance delays https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/ukraine-f16-maintenance-crisis/ 2026-10-11 AGN en-gb The report came as Russia increased its use of high speed jet-powered drones such as the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which the F-16 is best suited to intercept.2026-10-01 F-16s grounded, missiles running short: The Ukraine lesson behind India’s push for Astra https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/defence/international/f-16s-grounded-missiles-running-short-the-ukraine-lesson-behind-indias-push-for-astra/articleshow/134610415.cms 2026-10-11 The Times of India 0971-8257 It was noted that the aircraft were nearing the end of their service life, with the airframes provided by European nations being among the oldest F-16s in service. The high tempo of operations result in even heavier maintenance demands. Aircraft were unable to be overhauled in Ukraine, with repairs carried out by the Belgian firm Sabena Aerospace under a contract with Lockheed Martin worth $235.5 million USD. Each aircraft requires an in-depth inspection after 300 flight hours, with servicing taking as long as 40 weeks.Gray James 2026-09-30 Ukraine F-16 Update: Jets From Belgium, Maintenance Concerns And Block 70/72 fighters https://theaviationist.com/2026/09/30/ukraine-f-16-update/ 2026-10-11 The Aviationist en-US The report claimed that Ukraine could run out of operational F-16s by the end of 2026. Earlier in 2025, it was reported that six former Norwegian F-16s were grounded for an extended period of time in Belgium.Spray Aaron 2026-04-09 Norway’s promised F-16s for Ukraine remain grounded in Belgium https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/norway-f-16-ukraine-grounded-belgium/ 2026-10-11 AGN en-gb In response, Sabena Aerospace denied what it called "erroneous information alleging significant delays in this critical maintenance program". Further coverage reported a shortage of AMRAAM and Sidewinder missiles, with pilots having to ration the use of missiles and more dangerously rely on the aircraft's M61 Vulcan rotary cannon. AMRAAMs are also used by Ukraine's NASAMS air-defence system, and stocks have been eroded by Ukraine's own use, as well as combat in the Middle East as a result of the 2026 Iran War.TWZ 2026-09-02 Missile Shortage Has Now Hit Ukrainian F-16 Force https://www.twz.com/air/missile-shortage-has-now-hit-ukrainian-f-16-force 2026-10-11 TWZ en-US The Wall Street Journal suggested moving further maintenance to Ukraine, as well as leveraging NATO infrastructure in Romania. The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs denied claims of low readiness and excessively low repairs, although it acknowledged that parts availability and maintenance was increasingly difficult.2026-10-02 The Foreign Ministry denied reports of delays in the maintenance of Ukrainian F-16s https://news.liga.net/en/war/news/the-foreign-ministry-denied-reports-of-delays-in-the-maintenance-of-ukrainian-f-16s 2026-10-11 LIGA.net en President Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that further F-16 aircraft would be supplied from Belgium by the end of 2026, and that the country would further attempt to acquire ammunition worldwide.2026-10-05 Ammunition for F-16s is already on its way to Ukraine – Zelenskyy https://news.liga.net/en/war/news/ammunition-for-f-16s-is-already-on-its-way-to-ukraine-zelenskyy 2026-10-11 LIGA.net en on 28 September 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the 107th Separate Aviation Wing with the honorary award "For Courage and Bravery".2026-09-29 Zelenskyy awarded the 107th Separate Aviation Wing of the Air Force with an honorary distinction https://ua.news/en/ukraine/zelenskii-nagorodiv-pochesnoiu-vidznakoiu-107-okreme-aviatsiine-krilo-povitrianikh-sil 2026-10-11 UA.NEWS en Losses thumb|F-16 of the wing shots down Shahed type drone with board cannonOn 26 August 2024, an F-16 piloted by Oleksii Mes "Moonfish" crashed under unknown circumstances in Rivne Oblast. Ukrainian affiliated sources initially reported that Mes had been killed in a combat mission, but the loss of the aircraft was not confirmed. However, Mes could easily be identified as one of the first Ukrainian F-16 pilots due to his frequent press appearances. 2023-09-29 Перший український пілот на F-16 "Мунфіш": Цей літак дає великий зазор для виправлення допущених помилок https://novynarnia.com/2023/09/29/moonfish/ 2026-02-21 novynarnia.com uk Several days later the Wall Street Journal reported that a Ukrainian F-16 had been destroyed.Seligman Lara 2024-08-29 U.S.-Made F-16 Crashed in Ukraine, Killing Pilot https://www.wsj.com/world/ukrainian-f-16-is-destroyed-in-crash-4f6d66f6 2026-02-21 The Wall Street Journal en-USGordon Chris 2024-08-29 Ukrainian F-16 Crashes in Combat, Killing Pilot https://www.airandspaceforces.com/ukrainian-f-16-crashes-in-combat-killing-pilot/ 2026-02-21 Air & Space Forces Magazine en-US Following this, the loss was officially acknowledged by the Ukrainian Air Force and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.2024-08-29 Ukraine's Air Force announces death of pilot after WSJ reports F-16 crash https://kyivindependent.com/wsj-f-16-crash-report/ 2026-02-21 The Kyiv Independent en2024-08-29 BREAKING: F-16 fighter jet crashes in Ukraine, military confirms https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-in-ukraine-military-confirms/ 2026-02-21 The Kyiv Independent en The cause of the crash remains unclear, with a friendly fire incident, pilot error or damage sustained in combat being regarded as possible scenarios.Kottasová Ivana Tarasova-Markina Daria 2024-08-29 Exclusive: Top Ukrainian pilot killed when US-made F-16 fighter jet crashed https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/29/europe/ukraine-f16-crashes-intl 2026-02-21 CNN en2024-09-06 After F-16 crash, West debates rushed training for Ukrainian pilots, WSJ reports https://kyivindependent.com/after-f-16-crash-west-debates-rushed-training-for-ukrainian-pilots-wsj-reports/ 2026-02-21 The Kyiv Independent enYoussef Lara Seligman and Nancy A. 2024-09-05 Accelerated Training in the Spotlight After Ukrainian F-16 Crash https://www.wsj.com/world/accelerated-training-in-the-spotlight-after-ukrainian-f-16-crash-08cafb67 2026-02-21 The Wall Street Journal en-US As a result of the loss, Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk on 30 August 2024 with Anatolii Kryvonozhko appointed as acting commander.2024-08-31 President Zelensky sacks Ukraine air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1m0jvd4m3zo 2026-02-21 www.bbc.com en-GB People's Deputy and former member of Servant of the People Maryana Bezuhla claimed that the loss of the aircraft had been a result of friendly fire, further accusing the Armed Forces of Ukraine of perpetuating a culture of unprofessionalism and corruption.Zaxid.net 2024-08-30 Командувач Повітряних сил відреагував на заяву Безуглої про збиття F-16 українською ППО https://zaxid.net/komanduvach_povitryanih_sil_vidreaguvav_na_zayavu_bezugloyi_pro_nibito_zbittya_f_16_ukrayinskoyu_ppo_n1592635 2026-02-21 ZAXID.NET ukМарʼяна Безугла https://t.me/marybezuhla/1987 2026-02-21 TelegramМарʼяна Безугла https://t.me/marybezuhla/1996 2026-02-21 TelegramМарʼяна Безугла https://t.me/marybezuhla/1997 2026-02-21 Telegram On 18 September, the Verkhovna Rada unanimously voted to remove her from her position as deputy chair of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defense.2024-09-19 Controversial MP dismissed from Ukrainian Parliament's National Security Committee https://kyivindependent.com/controversial-mp-dismissed-from-ukrainian-parliaments-national-security-committee/ 2026-02-21 The Kyiv Independent en On 12 April 2025, an F-16 piloted by Pavlo Ivanov "Scratch" was shot down by a Russian S-400 missile system while performing a JDAM strike mission during the 2025 Sumy offensive.2025-05-30 Russian soldiers handed $200,000 each for downing US-made F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine https://nypost.com/2025/05/30/world-news/russian-soldiers-handed-200000-each-for-downing-us-made-f-16-fighter-jet-in-ukraine/ 2026-02-21 en-USRommen Rebecca A Russian oil company says it paid out a $195,000 bounty to soldiers it credited with downing a US-made F-16 fighter jet in Ukraine https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-oil-firm-paid-195k-soldiers-downing-f-16-jet-2025-5 2026-02-21 Business Insider en-USSuciu Peter 2025-06-05 Private Russian Company Pays a Bounty for Downing an F-16 in Ukraine https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/private-russian-company-pays-a-bounty-for-downing-an-f-16-in-ukraine 2026-02-21 The National Interest en-US On 16 May 2025, an F-16 was lost while attempting to counter a Russian Geran-2 drone attack. The pilot was able to eject successfully and was rescued by a CSAR team.Повітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine https://t.me/kpszsu/34455 2026-02-21 TelegramPilot ejects from Ukraine F-16 fighter jet after incident, air force says https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pilot-ejects-ukraine-f-16-fighter-jet-after-incident-air-force-says-2025-05-16/ Reuters On 29 June 2025, an F-16 piloted by Maksym Ustymenko "Smoke" was lost in Kyiv Oblast while attempting to counter a Russian Geran-2 drone attack.Ukraine pilot killed, F-16 fighter jet lost, Ukrainian military says https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-pilot-killed-f-16-fighter-jet-lost-ukrainian-military-says-2025-06-29/ ReutersПовітряні Сили ЗС України / Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine https://t.me/kpszsu/37313 2026-02-21 Telegram On 29 July 2026, an F-16 was lost while attempting to counter a Russian drone attack.2026-07-30 ДБР встановлює причини падіння винищувача F-16 на Полтавщині https://dbr.gov.ua/news/dbr-vstanovlyue-prichini-katastrofi-vinishhuvacha-f-16-na-poltavshhini State Bureau of Investigation The aircraft was downed in Poltava Oblast, while the pilot was able to eject successfully.Newspaper Editorial Board of the Judicial and Legal 2026-07-30 An F-16 Fighter Jet Crashed in Poltava Region: The State Bureau of Investigation Has Launched a Pre-Trial Investigation - sud.ua https://sud.ua/en/news/ukraine/367955-na-poltavshchyni-rozbyvsia-vynyshchuvach-f-16-dbr-rozpochalo-dosudove-rozsliduvannia 2026-10-11 Judicial and Legal Newspaper en Aircraft The unit operates an unknown number of F-16 Fighting Falcons, which Ukraine has received from the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway since 2024.https://www.newsweek.com/denmark-f-16-ukraine-fleet-decommissioned-1892643 NATO Ally Confirms F-16 to Ukraine as 'Entire Fleet' Decommissioned Newsweek Daniel Orton 22 April 2024 13 February 2026Sabbagh Dan Dan Sabbagh 20 August 2023 Netherlands and Denmark to donate up to 61 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/20/netherlands-to-donate-up-to-42-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine The Guardian live https://web.archive.org/web/20230821000549/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/20/netherlands-to-donate-up-to-42-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine 21 August 2023Ulvin Philippe Bédos Sandven Synne Malen Kruse Jan Espen Uleberg Ingrid 2023-08-24 Zelenskyj vil ha fredssamtaler i Norge Zelenskyj wants peace talks in Norway https://www.nrk.no/urix/norge-gir-f-16-jagerfly_-_-en-historisk-avgjorelse-1.16527948 NO NRK Kyiv/Oslo 13 February 2026 Gallery 120 100 yes center File:107th aviation wing awarded battle flag.jpg Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents battle flags to the deputy commander of the 107th Separate Aviation Wing File:Ukrainian f16 with mobile complex.webp Ukrainian F-16 with trucks of its mobile complex Ukrainian F-16 surrounded by trucks File:F-16 5D4 4037 (48707150722).jpg Ex-RDAF F-16 E-191 now in service with Ukraine F-16 E-191 in flight File:F-16AM Ukrainian Air Force during take off.jpg F-16AM Ukrainian Air Force during take off F-16AM Ukrainian Air Force during take offportrait in center. References Category:Air force brigades of Ukraine Category:Military units and formations established in 2024