Ukrainian MiG‑29s: Backbone of air force adapts with NATO arms
Even with the delivery of F-16s and Mirage 2000s, MiG-29 planes remain the backbone of the Ukrainian air force, thanks mainly to experienced combat pilots like "Denfix." Here’s a look at the tasks that MiGs are currently handling.
The Ukrainian air fleet still primarily consists of MiG-29 aircraft, rejuvenated by units received from Poland and Slovakia. Pilots have more experience with their MiGs than with the newer F-16A/B MLU and Mirage 2000-5F aircraft.
One pilot, known by the codename "Denfix," reportedly has over a dozen Russian drones and cruise missiles to his credit. The video below, released by the Ukrainian air force, shows the shooting down of two Shaheds at night.
MiG-29, the core of Ukraine’s fighter fleet
The MiG-29 is a twin-engine fighter jet developed in the 1970s by the Russian Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau. It was introduced as a more economical complement to the heavier Su-27. The aircraft weighs 12 tons, with a maximum takeoff weight of 20 tons, and can carry up to 4 tons of armaments.
While the MiG-29 is considered a capable aircraft, it has a significant drawback: a limited range due to its small internal fuel tanks. Consequently, MiGs often carry an external fuel tank, which occupies one of the seven pylons meant for armaments.
The MiG-29's armament primarily includes short-range air-to-air missiles like the R-73, outdated R-27 medium-range missiles, aerial bombs up to 1,102 lbs, and launchers for unguided missiles.
Ukrainian modifications and NATO weaponry
The Ukrainians have adapted MiGs to work with Western weaponry using improvised methods. Images have surfaced online showing aircraft armed with AIM-7 Sparrow missiles and AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles. These are used with ADM-160B MALD decoys to counter Russian air defense radars.
For ground attack missions, the Ukrainians use guided glide bombs like the JDAM-ER or GBU-39 SDB. When dropped from high altitudes, these bombs can strike targets many miles away. However, these attacks must be in areas free from medium-range Russian air defenses.
Videos showing the use of French AASM Hammer bombs are becoming increasingly popular. These bombs, similar to JDAM-ER, have an additional rocket motor, allowing them to hit targets from 9 miles away during low-altitude flights. This offers good protection against medium-range air defense systems.
