Ukraine Operates Former Azerbaijani MiG-29
Overview: Ex-Azerbaijani Fulcrums join the fight
Fresh evidence shows the Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 fleet now includes former Azerbaijani airframes. Footage and imagery indicate at least one jet operating in Ukrainian markings, expanding a type that has already worked hard since 2022. Any additional Fulcrums matter, as Ukraine rotates fighters across dispersed bases. The War Zone
Donor numbers and why they matter
Moreover, partners continue to backfill losses with legacy airframes. Poland has provided 14 MiG-29s, while Slovakia delivered 13. These transfers kept the Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 community flying while Western jets ramp up. The numbers underline a pragmatic bridge strategy. Reuters
The Fulcrum’s design, plant, and performance
Designed as a Soviet counter to the F-15 and F-16, the Fulcrum remains agile and quick. The Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 uses twin Klimov RD-33 turbofans and can exceed Mach 2 in a clean configuration. Its airframe tolerates rough fields and quick turnarounds, suiting Ukraine’s dispersed operations. Air Force Technology
Weapons and hardpoints
Crucially, a baseline Fulcrum carries air-to-air loads on seven hardpoints. Typical Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 fits include two medium-range R-27s plus short-range R-73 or R-60 missiles. This mix supports quick-reaction alert and local air superiority tasks over the front. Air Force Technology
Operations: strengths and limits in today’s air war
However, modern threats stretch fourth-gen fighters. The Russian Su-27 and Su-35 families field longer-reach sensors and weapons. Even so, the Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 still denies airspace, escorts strike assets, and hunts drones and cruise missiles. Attrition has been steady, which makes each additional airframe valuable. The War Zone
Western jets arrive to complement the fleet
Meanwhile, F-16 deliveries have begun and are entering operational use. These jets should enhance situational awareness, weapons flexibility, and coalition logistics. Yet the Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 remains essential for day-to-day tasks, absorbing sorties while F-16 capacity grows. Reuters
What the new airframes likely bring
Notably, open-source imagery shows a Ukrainian Fulcrum with R-73 and R-27 missiles on patrol. The Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 benefits from ready spares, familiar ground equipment, and trained crews. Therefore, integrating ex-Azerbaijani jets should be rapid, with minimal conversion time and modest risk. The War Zone
Bottom line: incremental but meaningful capability
In sum, former Azerbaijani airframes will not transform the air war alone. Nevertheless, they meaningfully bolster the Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 force, sustain sortie rates, and buy time for F-16s to scale. Consequently, this measured uplift fits Ukraine’s broader, layered airpower strategy.
References
- The War Zone — “Ukraine Now Flying Former Azerbaijani MiG-29 Fulcrum”
https://www.twz.com/air/ukraine-now-flying-former-azerbaijani-mig-29-fulcrumThe War Zone - Reuters—”Why Ukraine is bidding for F-16 jets… (Poland 14 / Slovakia 13 MiG-29s)”
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/why-ukraine-is-bidding-f-16-jets-will-it-succeed-2023-05-17/Reuters - Reuters—”Ukraine receives first F-16 jets, officials say,”
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-receives-small-number-f-16-jets-bloomberg-reports-citing-sources-2024-07-31/Reuters - Airforce-Technology—”MiG-29 Fulcrum Fighter Bomber” (specs, hardpoints, weapons)
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/mig29/Airforce Technology
