All articles tagged with #mig 29
Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) released footage of a night drone strike on the Belbek airbase in Russian-occupied Crimea, claiming a MiG-29 fighter jet and nearby equipment were destroyed; Kyiv frames the attack as part of a broader campaign to isolate Crimea from Russian logistics, noting extensive strikes on targets behind Russian lines in June.
Poland’s defense minister said the transfer of up to 14 MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine is canceled because Kyiv will not share advanced drone technologies. Warsaw had proposed a “MiGs for drones” arrangement, but Ukraine did not implement it. Poland remains a strong ally, having provided about $5 billion in aid, while Ukraine doubles down on its world-leading drone capabilities and pursues modern fighters like the Saab Gripen; ongoing disagreements over drone tech and funding for upgrades ended the deal.
Poland has paused the transfer of additional MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, arguing Kyiv won’t share drone-production technology in an exchange and signaling a shift toward a reciprocal defense deal, while the exact drone tech sought and the outcome of the talks remain unclear as relations between Warsaw and Kyiv deteriorate.
A Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet crashed overnight in Poltava Oblast during a combat mission after communications with the aircraft were lost; the pilot successfully ejected and was evacuated to a medical facility. The causes are under investigation. Ukraine continues to rely on its MiG-29s, while Western fighters are gradually being integrated into its air force.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet was destroyed on the ground during a missile attack on Ukrainian military infrastructure. This incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Ukrainian airfields to Russian airstrikes, which have been a significant part of Russia's military strategy since the conflict began. Despite being outdated, MiG-29s remain crucial to Ukraine's air defense due to their speed and maneuverability, and they have been upgraded to enhance their combat effectiveness.
The Russian navy's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, has been undergoing overhaul since 2017, leaving its MiG-29KR fighters stranded. Some of these fighters have reportedly been deployed to Crimea to hunt Ukrainian navy boats, equipped with modern air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The Ukrainian navy, lacking large armed warships, relies on missiles, drones, and fast small boats, often carrying shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles. Despite the potential danger, more MiG-29KRs may be seen in the sky over Ukraine, as the carrier's overhaul may extend into 2025 or even result in its permanent decommissioning due to safety concerns.
Ukraine's air force released a video showing a MiG-29 fighter jet making an extremely low pass, likely to avoid radar detection and surface-to-air missiles in the ongoing war with Russia. Flying low provides advantages in evading detection, but it also increases the risk of accidents. Former aviators explain that flying at higher altitudes allows for more reaction time and reduces the chances of unintentional crashes.
A video shared by Ukraine's air force shows a MiG-29 fighter jet making an incredibly low pass, likely to avoid radar detection and surface-to-air missiles in the ongoing war. Flying low provides advantages in evading enemy systems, but it also increases the risk of accidents. Former aviators explain that flying at higher altitudes allows for more reaction time and serves as "life insurance." The video showcases the extreme low pass of the MiG-29, highlighting the risks involved in such maneuvers.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that their air defense systems shot down two MiG-29 fighters and a Su-25 attack aircraft belonging to the Ukrainian Air Force in separate incidents. Recent weeks have seen the Russian armed forces achieve several victories against Ukrainian fighter jets, both in flight and on the ground. Russia has fortified its air defense in the regions of Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk with advanced systems such as the Buk-M3, S-300, and S-400. These systems are capable of shooting down the MiG-29 fighter. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 continues to escalate tensions between the two countries.
The Ukrainian Air Force has released a cockpit video showing a MiG-29 fighter successfully shooting down a Russian Orlan drone. The video, posted on YouTube, provides a glimpse of the MiG-29's head-up display (HUD) and shows the speed and altitude of the aircraft during the engagement. The video suggests the use of a radar-homing R-27 series air-to-air missile. The Orlan drone, primarily used for artillery spotting, has been adapted to carry electronic warfare payloads. The engagement highlights the challenges of targeting small drones and the need for improved capabilities, such as the F-16 fighters that Ukraine is set to receive.
Ukraine has modified some of its MiG-29 fighter jets to carry winged JDAM-ER GPS-guided glide bombs, expanding their role in precision standoff strikes. The JDAM-ER kits transform conventional bombs into smart weapons with inertial and GPS guidance, giving them precision and range. While not as advanced as Ukraine's Storm Shadow cruise missiles, the modification demonstrates Ukraine's efforts to enhance the lethality of its existing airframes with Western support.
The Ukrainian Air Force has modified some of its MiG-29 fighter jets to carry winged JDAM-ER GPS-guided glide bombs, expanding their role to precision standoff strike capabilities. The first airstrikes using these bombs reportedly began in early March. The JDAM-ER kit transforms conventional bombs into true fire-and-forget weapons with precision guidance and wings, extending their range. While not as advanced as Ukraine's Storm Shadow cruise missiles, the modified MiG-29s demonstrate the country's efforts to enhance its airpower with Western support.
Slovakia has transferred all 13 pledged MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, which President Zelensky has been requesting from Western allies to establish air superiority over invading Russians. This comes as Russia claims control of territory in Bakhmut and reportedly shifts more responsibility for its offensive operations in Ukraine to Russian airborne troops. The UK's Ministry of Defense reported that airborne commander Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky was reinstated to a major role in Russian President Vladimir Putin's military command, suggesting Moscow may rely more on its air forces in Ukraine.
Slovakia has completed the transfer of all 13 of its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, while Poland has delivered four MiG-29s and received approval to provide another five fighter jets. The Czech Republic and Poland have agreed to cover Slovak airspace until the country receives new American-made F-16 fighters in 2024. Slovakia and Poland are the first NATO nations to have sent combat aircraft to Ukraine. Ukraine is lobbying for more NATO weaponry ahead of its expected spring counteroffensive, success in which could see Kyiv's troops liberate swathes of Russian-held territory.
Slovakia has delivered the remaining nine of the 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets that it promised to Ukraine, becoming the second NATO member to answer Ukraine's plea for warplanes to help defend against Russia's invasion. Slovakia grounded its MiGs in the summer due to a lack of spare parts and maintenance expertise. Replacements for the MiG-29s are unlikely to arrive for another year.