From Baku to Kyiv: Mystery MiG-29 Jets Join Ukraine’s Fight Against Russia

Azerbaijan’s MiG-29s may have found a new battlefield, as a single-seat MiG-29 fighter in Azerbaijan’s trademark livery was spotted flying over Ukraine with Ukrainian Air Force insignia, according to The War Zone on September 5.

The jet, seen carrying a full combat loadout of four R-77 short-range air-to-air missiles and two R-27 medium-range interceptors, marks a surprising development in Ukraine’s ongoing effort to expand its fighter fleet.

Defense analysts note that the aircraft’s combat configuration leaves little doubt it is now in operational service with Ukraine. Its appearance raises the possibility of an intergovernmental deal with Azerbaijan—or the reallocation of aircraft that had previously been undergoing overhaul in Lviv, Ukraine.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant had been servicing three Azerbaijani MiG-29s of the 9-13 variant.

Following Russian missile strikes on the facility, the fate of those airframes remained unclear. Evidence now suggests that at least some were evacuated and restored to service for Ukraine’s urgent defense needs.

Baku purchased 15 MiG-29s—including combat and trainer versions—from Ukraine in 2006-2007. Since then, Ukraine has acted as the primary hub for overhauling and upgrading Azerbaijan’s fleet, including limited avionics modifications.

The timing of the aircraft’s transfer—if confirmed—may be tied to Azerbaijan’s escalating tensions with Russia.

Relations have soured following a series of arrests, torture cases, and even killings of Azerbaijani citizens in Yekaterinburg, as well as the shoot-down of a civilian airliner belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines.

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In response, Russian propaganda outlets have openly called for preparing for war with Azerbaijan, describing the conflict as “inevitable.”

These aircraft are not the only foreign MiG-29s flying in Ukrainian colors. Poland has already transferred 14, and Slovakia another 13, though not all have entered service due to technical conditions. Some have instead been used as spare parts.

Despite those limitations, Ukraine’s Air Force continues to rely heavily on MiG-29s for air defense deep inside the country. After partial modernization, some jets have also been adapted to launch anti-radiation missiles and precision-guided bombs—roles critical to Ukraine’s evolving air campaign.

Earlier, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev reiterated his country’s firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that Baku’s position has not changed since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

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