Tragic friendly fire incident: Ukraine's MiG‑29 fighter jet downed
A video displaying the tragic moment a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet was brought down has circulated online. Apparently, it became a victim of so-called friendly fire, being accidentally shot down by the Ukrainians themselves. What makes this aircraft significant, and why is its loss a blow to the defenders' forces?
Initial details of the Ukrainian MiG-29's downing started to emerge last weekend (the incident occurred on March 8), but at first, there was scant information. Kyiv has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but analysts and commentators on the war in Ukraine have concluded without doubt that it was indeed this fighter jet based on available imagery.
Downing of the Ukrainian MiG-29
A few days after the incident, a video was shared online showing the aircraft being hit in mid-flight. Ukrainian sources indicate that the pilot was unable to eject in time. There are several indications that the MiG-29 was brought down not by Russian forces but by Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense instead.
Such errors have occurred on the front lines more than once. Previously, Russians also experienced losses of Su-25 and Su-35S, some of the most sophisticated aircraft in their fleet.
The destruction of the MiG-29, irrespective of the circumstances, represents a significant setback for the Ukrainians. Each fighter jet is exceptionally valuable to them, as the Russians have maintained a dominant air presence since the war's onset. Although the MiG-29s are quite dated, in the hands of Ukrainian pilots, they prove to be a formidable challenge for the Russians. They have also been somewhat difficult to target, with the invading forces having shot down about 25 of these fighters, a relatively small figure in comparison to their own losses.
Service history of the MiG-29 with the Ukrainians
The MiG-29 is a staple in the Ukrainian air force. They had their own fleets before the war with Russia commenced, and additional units were acquired from allied countries. For example, Poland and Slovakia (which in return received a discount from the United States on their purchase of the AH-1Z Viper) were among those that contributed their MiG‑29s.
The MiG-29's principal weapon is a GSz-30-1 30 mm cannon with a stockpile of 150 rounds. The aircraft is also equipped with six to nine external hardpoints for armament (depending on the variant), capable of carrying, among other things, R-27 and R-73 air-to-air missiles or aerial bombs. Moreover, it can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.3 (over 2400 km/h) and operate at altitudes of up to 17500 meters.
