Air Force of Ukraine It has been confirmed that a MiG-29 fighter jet was lost on the evening of 10 August whilst carrying out a combat mission in the Odesa region. The pilot successfully ejected and was taken to a medical facility. According to preliminary information from the Air Force, An abnormal situation arose immediately during the launch of an air-to-air missile. The fighter then caught fire, and the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The pilot tried to save the plane, but was eventually forced to eject.
An abnormal situation arose during the rocket launch
According to the Air Force Command, a Ukrainian MiG-29 was carrying out a combat mission on the destruction of enemy air targets in the Odesa region.
According to preliminary reports, an abnormal situation arose during the launch of an air-to-air missile. As a result, the fighter jet caught fire and the pilot lost control of the aircraft.
The pilot did not eject straight away and tried to keep the aircraft under control. However, as the emergency situation developed, he was eventually forced to leave the aircraft. The ejection was successful.
The pilot was taken to a hospital
After ejecting, the Ukrainian pilot was found and evacuated. He was taken to a medical facility for the necessary examinations.
So, the main thing is — the pilot survived. The Air Force did not report any information regarding a threat to his life.
The exact location where the fighter jet crashed and the pilot’s name are not being disclosed for security reasons.
The causes of the MiG-29’s loss are still being investigated
The preliminary version links the accident to an abnormal situation during the use of airborne weapons, however The exact causes and all the circumstances surrounding the loss of the aircraft are still being established.
Therefore, there is currently no basis for claiming that MiG-29 was shot down by Russian air defence systems or an enemy aircraft. The Air Force’s official statement specifically refers to an emergency situation during the combat deployment of the missile.
MiG-29 fighter jets continue to be used by the Air Force to intercept Russian aerial targets and carry out strike missions.
This is the second MiG-29 to be lost in recent months
The Air Force had previously reported a confirmed loss of a Ukrainian MiG-29 27 June 2026 in the Poltava region. At the time, the fighter jet was also on a combat mission, and the pilot managed to eject and survive.
In the current incident in the Odesa region, the Air Force also emphasises that a final conclusion regarding the cause of the accident will be reached once all the circumstances have been established.
