Russia Downs Ukrainian MiG-29 Fighter Jet in Latest Aerial Clash

Russia has claimed another aerial victory in its ongoing war against Ukraine, announcing that its air defense forces successfully shot down a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet on March 9, 2025. The official statement emphasized that Russia downs Ukrainian MiG-29 jets regularly as part of its broader efforts to neutralize Ukraine’s remaining air power. This latest incident marks yet another blow to Ukraine’s dwindling fleet of Soviet-era aircraft as both sides continue to engage in high-intensity combat across multiple fronts.

The downing of the MiG-29 underscores Ukraine’s persistent challenge in maintaining air superiority against Russia’s advanced defense systems, including the S-400 and S-300 missile platforms.

Despite receiving reinforcements from Western-supplied air defense systems and aircraft, Kyiv suffers significant aerial losses. As Russia downs Ukrainian MiG-29 jets and other aircraft, concerns grew regarding Ukraine’s ability to conduct sustained aerial operations in the long term.

Details of the Incident

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Ukrainian MiG-29 was shot down during an aerial confrontation in an undisclosed region. The ministry also claimed that in addition to the MiG-29, Russian forces had successfully intercepted multiple drones and other incoming munitions, including guided bombs and rockets fired at Russian positions.

While Moscow framed the event as a testament to its superior air defenses, Ukraine provided a different narrative. Ukrainian military officials acknowledged the loss of the aircraft but emphasized that their forces had successfully repelled multiple Russian attacks on the ground, particularly around the Kharkiv and Lyman regions. Despite suffering losses in the air, Ukraine asserted that its defensive efforts remained strong, with ongoing operations aimed at disrupting Russian advances.

The engagement underscores the increasing difficulty Ukraine faces in maintaining its air fleet against Russia’s more advanced weaponry. The Russian air defense network, consisting of systems like the S-400 and Pantsir missile systems, has proven highly effective at neutralizing Ukrainian aircraft, limiting Kyiv’s ability to conduct air operations without significant risk.

The Role of the MiG-29 in Ukraine’s Air Force

The MiG-29, a twin-engine fighter developed in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, has been a cornerstone of Ukraine’s air force since the country gained independence in 1991. At the onset of the war in February 2022, Ukraine operated an estimated 50 MiG-29s, but heavy losses have diminished this fleet.

Watch: F-16 vs MiG-29 – Why Does Ukraine Want Them?

To counteract these losses, Ukraine’s Western allies stepped in to provide additional MiG-29s. As of March 2025, Ukraine has received 27 MiG-29s from Poland and Slovakia.

However, even with these reinforcements, Ukraine’s ability to maintain a functional MiG-29 fleet has been severely impacted by continued Russian strikes and engagements.

The jet’s outdated design, coupled with Russia’s superior radar and missile technology, has made it increasingly difficult for Ukrainian pilots to operate effectively without suffering heavy casualties.

How Many MiG-29s Has Ukraine Lost?

The MiG-29 remains one of the most frequently lost aircraft in Ukraine’s air force. As of March 2025, Ukraine has lost at least 28 MiG-29s to Russian air defenses and aerial engagements. This number represents over half of Ukraine’s original fleet and raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Kyiv’s air power.

The persistent loss of MiG-29s has forced Ukraine to rely more on ground-based air defense systems and drone warfare to counter Russian air superiority. While Western nations have pledged to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, these have yet to be fully integrated into the battlefield, leaving Kyiv dependent on its dwindling Soviet-era fleet for air operations.

How MiG-29 Losses Compare to Other Aircraft

While the MiG-29 has been the primary fighter lost in the conflict, Ukraine has also suffered losses in other aircraft categories. Compared to the 28 MiG-29s lost, other Ukrainian aircraft losses include:

• Sukhoi Su-25: 5 losses
• Sukhoi Su-24: 1 loss
• Sukhoi Su-27: 4 losses

The MiG-29’s losses far exceed those of other aircraft in Ukraine’s arsenal, likely due to its frequent use in air defense and interception roles. Unlike the more heavily armed and armored Su-24 and Su-25, the MiG-29 was designed primarily for air superiority rather than sustained ground attack missions.

This makes it particularly vulnerable to Russia’s advanced air defense network, which has proven highly effective in targeting Ukrainian fighters.

Additionally, while Ukraine has received some reinforcements for its MiG-29 fleet, it has not received equivalent replacements for its Su-24 or Su-27 aircraft. This disparity highlights a growing concern for Ukraine’s air force: its increasing reliance on a single aircraft type that is steadily being depleted.

What This Means for Ukraine’s Air Force

The continued loss of MiG-29s presents a significant challenge for Ukraine. While Western allies have provided additional aircraft, the overall trend suggests that Kyiv is struggling to maintain its fighter fleet at a level necessary to counter Russia’s air dominance.

One potential game-changer could be the long-anticipated delivery of Western fighter jets, such as the F-16, which could offer superior capabilities compared to the aging MiG-29s. However, training pilots and integrating these new aircraft into Ukraine’s air force takes time, meaning that in the short term, Ukraine must continue to rely on its dwindling MiG-29 inventory.

In contrast, Russia continues to deploy more advanced aircraft, such as the Su-35 and Su-34, alongside an increasingly lethal air defense network. This dynamic places Ukraine at a strategic disadvantage, forcing it to seek alternative methods of air combat, including drone warfare and precision missile strikes.

The downing of another MiG-29 underscores the difficult reality Ukraine faces in maintaining its aerial capabilities. As the war continues, the ability to replenish and modernize its air force will be a critical factor in Kyiv’s ability to sustain its defense against Russia’s overwhelming firepower.