The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be able to operate its existing MiG-29 fighter jets at least until 2030, according to one of the aircraft's pilots, whose name is withheld for security reasons. "Our people, technicians and factories alike, are constantly working to improve our equipment. We are keeping the MiG-29 fleet operational," he said.
The pilot shared this assessment in an interview with RFE/RL as part of the Donbas.Realities project.
Read more: After A330 Tankers, MiG-29 Transfer, Poland Considers F-15EX, Korean KF-21 for Air Force Expansion
He also emphasized that Ukraine is moving in line with a long-established plan to modernize its Air Force. "I remember when I was still a cadet, the commander at the time presented a development plan for the Air Force. We are following that plan, because it envisioned the acquisition of F-16s, the intention to receive Mirage 2000s, and then a transition to Gripen and Rafale," he noted.
Turning specifically to the MiG-29, it is important to emphasize that this fighter remains the most numerous aircraft type in Ukraine's Air Force. In October last year, the MiG-29 marked the 48th anniversary of its maiden flight.
Since February 2022, MiG-29s have played a key role in stopping the advance of russian occupying forces, particularly in northern Ukraine. To this day, they continue to serve as a true "workhorse" of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Over nearly four years of full-scale war, Ukrainian MiG-29s have also been adapted to employ Western-supplied weapons, including guided aerial bombs and AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles.
In addition, it was reported last year that MiG-29 fighters are expected to become carriers of cruise missiles under the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) program.
Read more: Ukraine to Receive Ten ERAMs by October: New Missiles For MiG-29 and F-16
