By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On July 11, a Ukrainian MiG-29 successfully struck a Russian military crossing in the Zaporizhzhia region with two US-made GBU-62 bombs upgraded with JDAM-ER kits. These precision-guided munitions, which utilize GPS and inertial navigation for accuracy and extended range, were instrumental in targeting a temporary crossing vital for supplying Russian troops near Kamianske. The gradual degradation of Russian air defenses has enhanced the effectiveness of these strikes, contributing to Ukraine’s defensive strategy of targeting logistics and infrastructure. This action is part of a larger effort to disrupt Russian advances, as seen in the recent precision airstrike on a Russian troop concentration in Russia’s Belgorod region.
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Ukrainian MiG-29 Strikes Russian Military Crossing in Zaporizhzhia With JDAM-ER Bombs, Video, and the entire situation is quite something. The fact that Ukraine is successfully employing its MiG-29s, a Soviet-era fighter, to deliver precision-guided munitions like the JDAM-ER is, frankly, impressive. The US Department of Defense has been instrumental in adapting these old Soviet fighters and integrating them with US weapon systems, a truly innovative feat. To take a former adversary’s aircraft and transform it into a NATO-capable fighter is a significant achievement, one that most likely hasn’t been replicated by other nations. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those involved.
The video showcasing the strike, although the editing may be, well, let’s just say “amusing,” highlights the raw power and effectiveness of these attacks. The editing might be a bit on the dramatic side, but it serves its purpose of drawing attention to the successes of the Ukrainian forces. One can only imagine the impact, the size of the crater left behind after these strikes. The fact that this type of report is emerging again is certainly noteworthy.
The news is making waves for a variety of reasons. Ukraine is clearly innovating, finding creative solutions to the challenges posed by the war. It’s a little bit ironic, too, that the Russians are being targeted with weapons technology that comes from the US. The integration is a testament to the dedication and talent of those involved. It’s not quite the same as a fully integrated system, but it allows the MiG-29 to function as a precision strike platform.
Essentially, the targets are pre-programmed on the ground, and the pilot’s job is to launch the weapon at a pre-defined location. It’s not the most advanced system, but it’s a far cry from the early days. For Ukraine, this is a critical step, and it provides an edge in the face of the ongoing conflict. They still need modern, NATO-standard fighters like the F-16, which would allow for much more dynamic targeting capabilities. The ability to adjust targets in real-time would vastly increase their tactical flexibility.
The MiG-29 itself is an interesting aircraft, a true classic. It’s a beautiful piece of machinery. Even in the face of decades of use, the MiG-29s continue to serve. One of my first DOS computer games was MiG-29 Fulcrum. The fact that it’s still in service today feels almost surreal.
The ability to hit back, using glide bombs against the enemy, is a critical development in this war. Russia has been using glide bombs to great effect, allowing them to grind forward. Ukraine’s ability to hit back in kind is a promising sign, it suggests they can deliver effective strikes without getting taken down by long-range missiles. The more Ukrainian strikes like this land, the better.
The integration of these weapons is not unusual in the current conflict. The MiG-29 is of a similar age to the F-18 and is even younger than the F-15 and F-16, which are still in operation. The fact that it is still providing a real contribution is noteworthy.
It’s also worth noting that Ukraine’s ability to implement these weapons is a promising sign. The ability to use a MiG-29 to deliver JDAM-ERs is a critical skill. The implications for the war are significant. Russia may soon have to adjust its tactics if Ukraine’s attacks become more frequent.