Ukrainian MiG‑29 shot down by Russian missile, pilot killed

Based on · First reported 1 Oct 2026 · Updated 1 Oct 2026

A Ukrainian Air Force MiG‑29 was hit by a Russian missile during a mission against Russian troops, killing the 25‑year‑old pilot Marat Mabeytov. The loss follows two earlier MiG‑29 shoot‑downs in June and August.
A Ukrainian MiG‑29 fighter jet was shot down by a Russian missile while on a mission against Russian troops. The pilot, 25‑year‑old Marat Mabeytov, was killed after attempting to eject. The Ukrainian Air Force had previously lost two MiG‑29s in June and August. Unconfirmed reports suggest additional MiG‑29 losses from Russian strikes on Ukrainian airbases. Ukraine was estimated to have 14 Soviet‑era MiG‑29s in service at the end of 2025. Ukraine is expected to receive three F‑16 fighter jets from Belgium before the end of the year. The loss further reduces Ukraine’s already limited fleet of Soviet‑origin MiG‑29s, affecting operational capacity. Incoming F‑16 deliveries highlight Ukraine’s shift toward Western aircraft to replace aging jets.
Belgium is slated to deliver three F‑16s to Ukraine before year‑end, potentially offsetting MiG‑29 losses.

Sources