Ukraine is flying more MiG-29s than it did a few weeks ago. This shows that two months into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the skies are still contested.
The Russian Aerospace Forces have failed to achieve air dominance for several reasons. As a result, despite the overwhelming superiority of its Russian counterpart, the Ukrainian Air Force is flying dozens of fighter and attack aircraft more than 60 days into the conflict.
Not only are the Ukrainians flying dozens of aircraft, but they are also flying them increasingly more because other nations have been helping.
Questions and answers
Last week, during his daily brief to the press, Secretary of Defense’s Press Secretary John F. Kirby, admitted that the Ukrainian Air Force has received aircraft parts that have enabled it to put more aircraft in the air.
“I would just say without getting into what other nations are providing that they have received additional platforms and parts to be able to increase their fleet size—their aircraft fleet size, I think I’d leave it at that. Platforms and parts,” the Pentagon press secretary said.
There are few European countries, including Poland, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, who still fly MiG-29s and can send them to Ukraine.
Related: Ukraine to Get MiG-29s From Europe?
Kirby provided some additional context, clarifying that in this case, a platform is an airplane, stating that the Ukrainians “have received additional aircraft and aircraft parts to help them” to get more aircraft—presumably all types—in the air.
The statements of the Pentagon’s press secretary fueled a quest to find out which country had been so bold—and subtle—to provide Ukraine with complete MiG-29 fighter jets.
But then, the next day, Kirby went on to clarify even further. In his daily brief to the press, he set the record straight saying that the Ukrainian military hasn’t received complete aircraft from any country.
“Some nations have provided spare parts so that they can get their inoperable tanks operable again. And I would say the same on aircraft. I mean, they have received support to get some of their fixed-wing aircraft, you know, more operable again. So I mean, look, the proof’s in the pudding there,” Kirby said.
The Pentagon official went on to say that the Ukrainian Air Force has now more available fixed-wing fighter aircraft in the air than it did at the start of the month.
“And that’s not by accident, that’s because other nations who have experience with those kinds of aircraft have been able to help them get more aircraft up and running,” the Pentagon press secretary added.
Although the U.S. hasn’t provided or transported any complete aircraft to Ukraine, it has facilitated the transshipment of certain spare parts. These have enabled the Ukrainian Air Force maintainers to get more aircraft in the air.
The Ukrainian Air Force also denied the reports that it had received complete aircraft. However, the Ukrainians wrote a cryptic sentence that leaves some room for speculation.
“With the assistance of the US Government, the Ukrainian Air Force received spare parts and components for the restoration and repair of the fleet of aircraft in the Armed Forces, which will allow to put into service more equipment,” the Ukrainian Air Force said on Twitter.
Related: The Ukrainian Pilot Known as the Ghost of Kyiv
However, the tweet began by stating that “officially Ukraine did not receive new aircraft from partners.” So, what about unofficially? There are several countries in the region, especially Poland, that would love to send more weapons to Ukraine to fight their common enemy. Whether a mistake in the translation or something else, Ukraine is now flying several MiG-29s.
MiG-29s to Ukraine!
Since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, Ukraine has requested additional fighter jets, primarily MiG-29 Fulcrums, for its air force. The “MiG-29 to Ukraine” saga has gone over several chapters. But now it seems a solution was found, and Ukraine is flying more MiG-29s.
An air-superiority fighter jet, the MiG-29 Fulcrum can also conduct close-air-support missions. The MiG-29 has seven external hardpoints and can pack up to two R-27 air-to-air medium-range missiles, six R-73 and R-60 air-to-air short-range missiles, four pods of S-5, S-8, S-24 unguided rockets, and dumb bombs weighing up to 6,600 pounds. It also packs a 30mm gun with 150 rounds of ammunition.
What makes the MiG-29 the ideal aircraft to send to Ukraine is the fact that the Ukrainian Air Force is already flying it. As a result, no time will be lost in training pilots and maintainers on the platform.
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The Mig 29, a supposedly old fighter seems to be very effective against modern fighters that Russia has..
is this Pentagon press guy cleared to make statements that then need ‘clarification’? After all if he screws up people could get killed. I am quite amazed. In the private sector when i was working, where only money was at stake, if a corporate spokesman screwed up like this he would be canned.
Glad the MiGs are flying, but more S-300 systems, Stingers and every kind of anti-armor weapon they can get are going to make a far bigger difference over time. Ukraines few dozen of MiG-29s aren’t going to be able to penetrate and take out the thousands of artillery pieces and armor over a 1,200 mile border. Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers with an unlimited supply of anti-armor weapons can do more damage and have a better chance of survival in contested airspace.
Yes, true… but Ukraine is also fielding artillery and anti air systems that can be destroyed by Russian air power. Having point defense anti air fighters can provide local (very) air superiority or simply keep Ukrainian assets from being destroyed. It’s not that they are the tank killers, but they may be able to defend the tank killers.
Regards,
John
I am sure the Russians hadn’t counted on a robust response from the West.
61 yo aircraft mechanic retired would like to help put migs together.
Contact the Ukranian embassy and see if they can use you.
61 year old A&P mechanic willing to work on MiG’s for the Russian Federation.
Contact the Russian embassy and see if they can use you. They will most likely think you’re a Western spy, and ignore you… but if they did take you on, be prepared to permanently move to glorious Mother Russia, as returning to the US/West is probably silly in that it would lead to a lifetime of hassle while security services investigate you your remaining years, as well as being avoided, harassed and disdained as Putin’s War Sl*t when word gets out in your local community. Something about ‘Suppoorting the Eveil Oppressor’.
Someone will dox you. Embrace it. Probably that will extend to your immediate family, too. Kids attacking your grand kids will be particularly brutal. But I’m sure all your family members will support you all the way. They won’t even think of moving away and ghosting you.
After committing to supporting the Russia war effort, understand that there is no ‘un-commit’ – as your contract with Putin’s Russia will most likely stipulate you remain until the conflict concludes, which may realistically not be in your lifetime. Good news is you’ll be paid in Rubles, the locally accepted currency. Plus, potatoes and vodka are relatively cheap throughout Russia, even if nearly everything else is at luxury prices. The sacrifice you’ll be able to make! Memorable.
Plus, you can vacation in Kazakhstan, Belarus, or – if the government is still in control – Syria. About the only places in the world now that don’t hate people from Russia.
But hey, go with what you love.