Ukraine Has Made F-16s Its Main Fighters. So Why Is It Training More MiG-29 Pilots?

Ukraine continues to train new fighter pilots on Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft despite its transition toward Western-made F-16 and Mirage 2000 jets, which have become the backbone of its tactical aviation fleet.

According to Defense Express on November 10, Ukraine’s 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade has received a new group of pilots who completed their initial training at the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University.

The pilots underwent flight training on L-39 jet trainers and will now transition to the two-seat MiG-29UB, flying alongside experienced instructors with combat experience in aerial engagements and strikes against ground targets.

The continued training of MiG-29 pilots comes as Ukraine increasingly relies on Western fighter aircraft for combat operations.

By August 2026, F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters had reportedly become the foundation of Ukraine’s tactical aviation capabilities, marking a significant shift away from the Soviet-designed aircraft that previously dominated its fleet. However, the transition has not eliminated the operational role of older fighters.

Defense Express noted that Ukraine’s decision to continue preparing MiG-29 pilots reflects both its ability to maintain a domestic military aviation training system during wartime and the continued importance of keeping available aircraft operational.

The MiG-29 remains in active service with the Ukrainian Air Force, carrying out combat missions alongside newer Western platforms.

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The aircraft could also remain operational for several more years. In January 2026, a Ukrainian fighter pilot told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that the country’s MiG-29 fleet could remain in service until at least 2030.

Such a timeline would require Ukraine to maintain pilot training, technical personnel, aircraft maintenance, and combat readiness for the Soviet-era fighters even as its Western-equipped fleet expands.

Ukraine has also continued receiving MiG-29 aircraft and related equipment from international partners. In late October 2026, Poland included two MiG-29 fighters in a €50 million military assistance package for Ukraine. One aircraft remained operational, while the other was intended to provide spare parts.

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