On 1 October 2026, Ukrainian military pilot Captain Marat Redvanovich Mambetov was killed whilst carrying out a combat mission. He was the flight leader of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, «The Ghost of Kyiv», and was carrying out combat sorties in a MiG-29 fighter. According to published reports, during the mission, the Ukrainian aircraft was carrying out missile and bomb strikes against Russian forces on one section of the front line. The MiG-29 was hit by an enemy missile. The pilot managed to eject, but did not survive.
A MiG-29 was shot down whilst on a combat mission
According to the available information, the captain Marat Mambetov He was on a combat mission in one of the sectors of the front. His MiG-29 fired air-to-ground munitions at Russian forces’ positions.
Whilst carrying out the mission, the fighter jet was hit by an enemy missile. The pilot ejected from the damaged aircraft but was killed.
Details of the specific area where the mission was being carried out and other circumstances surrounding the loss of the aircraft are not being disclosed.
Marat Mambetov served in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade
Marat Redvanovich Mambetov held the rank of captain and was commander of a flight in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, which is associated with the legendary figure of the «Ghost of Kyiv».
The squadron has been involved in defending Ukrainian airspace since the very first days of the full-scale Russian invasion. Its pilots carry out air defence missions, provide cover for Ukrainian forces and launch strikes against Russian positions.
Mambetov continued to fly combat missions in a MiG-29 — one of the main types of fighter aircraft that Ukraine has been using since the start of the major war.
Ukraine has lost yet another fighter pilot
Tactical aviation operations remain one of the most high-risk aspects of combat operations. Ukrainian pilots are forced to operate amidst a dense Russian air defence network and under constant threat from missile systems and enemy aircraft.
Captain Marat Mambetov was killed whilst carrying out a combat mission. His final sortie was directed against Russian forces on the front line. The pilot managed to escape from his damaged fighter, but did not survive after ejecting.
We extend our condolences to the family, friends and comrades of the Ukrainian pilot.
