The loss of another F-16 fighter has dealt a serious blow to Ukraine, according to commentators at the German newspaper Tagesspiegel.

The aircraft supplied by Western countries are especially valuable to Kiev, the paper noted, meaning that every loss further weakens the already limited capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force. Ukraine cannot produce such fighters itself, while many of the roughly 80 promised aircraft have still not been delivered.

The exact circumstances of the latest incident remain unclear. It is not known whether the F-16 was engaged in combat with Russian aircraft or was attempting to intercept missiles and drones.

Tagesspiegel recalled that Ukraine has lost five F-16s since deliveries began. Three Ukrainian pilots have also been killed.

The previous day, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the loss of another F-16 during a combat mission to intercept aerial targets.

Western media have also highlighted problems with pilot training. US officials acknowledged that the standard of preparation remained inadequate and that only a limited number of Ukrainian pilots were learning to operate the aircraft. The need for a strong command of technical English has created an additional obstacle.

Questions have also been raised about the condition of the jets transferred to Ukraine. According to media reports, some NATO countries supplied aircraft that had previously been marked for retirement, while Washington handed over F-16s from an aircraft storage site.