Kyiv, September 6 - Ukraine’s air force has recently bolstered its fleet with the unexpected integration of former Azerbaijani MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets. This development enhances its aerial capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The MiG-29, a Soviet-designed twin-engine aircraft, was originally developed in the 1970s to counter advanced U.S. fighters like the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Ukraine, which inherited around 220 MiG-29s after the Soviet Union's dissolution, has relied heavily on these jets for air superiority and defense operations since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. However, with significant losses—over 30 MiG-29s confirmed destroyed by early 2025—the Ukrainian Air Force has sought to replenish its fleet through international support and innovative means. The addition of former Azerbaijani MiG-29s, previously sent to Ukraine for repairs, marks a strategic move to sustain its air defense capabilities as the war challenges its resources.
🇺🇦🇦🇿 MiG-29 fighter jet in Azerbaijani camo, now in service of the Ukrainian Air Force.
— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) September 3, 2025
As of February 24, 2022, three MiG-29s operated by the Azerbaijani Air Force have been undergoing repairs and modernization at the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant in western Ukraine.
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The origins of these MiG-29s trace back to Azerbaijan’s acquisition of approximately 15 aircraft from Ukraine between 2006 and 2007. These jets, overhauled and modernized at the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant, were part of Azerbaijan’s effort to strengthen its air force with secondhand Soviet-era equipment. By February 2022, three of these Azerbaijani MiG-29s were undergoing maintenance at the Lviv facility when Russia’s invasion began, leaving them stranded. Despite a Russian airstrike in March 2022 that damaged the Lviv plant, at least one of these aircraft survived and has now been integrated into Ukrainian service. Equipped with medium-range R-27 and short-range R-73 air-to-air missiles, these jets are actively engaged in combat missions, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. The aircraft retain Azerbaijan’s distinctive blue, gray, and violet-gray camouflage but now bear Ukrainian Air Force markings, symbolizing their new role.
The integration of these former Azerbaijani MiG-29s comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as its air force faces significant attrition and the need for versatile, battle-ready aircraft. In addition to Azerbaijan’s jets, Ukraine has received MiG-29s from Poland and Slovakia, with 14 and 13 aircraft transferred, respectively, though some have been used for spare parts due to their condition. The Ukrainian Air Force has also adapted its MiG-29 fleet to employ Western munitions, such as U.S.-made AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles and precision-guided bombs, expanding their role beyond air-to-air combat to include ground strikes. The Lviv plant, a key hub for MiG-29 maintenance and upgrades, has played a pivotal role in keeping these aging jets operational, with modernizations like the MiG-29MU1 and MU2 variants improving navigation, targeting, and weapons systems to meet the demands of modern warfare.
The strategic significance of these MiG-29s extends beyond their immediate combat utility, reflecting shifting regional dynamics. Azerbaijan’s deteriorating relations with Russia, particularly following the 2024 downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane and reported mistreatment of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia, may have facilitated this transfer, whether through donation or Ukrainian requisition. As Ukraine awaits the delivery of more advanced Western fighters like F-16s and Mirage jets, adding these MiG-29s provides a vital stopgap, ensuring the air force can continue to contest the skies. With ongoing modernization efforts and international support, Ukraine’s MiG-29 fleet remains a cornerstone of its defense strategy, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of its air force in the face of a prolonged and intense conflict.