In November 2023, the Bratislava prosecutor’s office announced that Slovakia’s 2023 transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine was not a criminal offense. The previous Slovak government, led by Eduard Heger, had donated the aircraft, making Slovakia the first to send warplanes to Kyiv after Russia’s full-scale invasion. The current government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, had filed a criminal complaint against Heger and former Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad, but the investigation concluded the donation caused no harm to Slovakia and that officials did not act unlawfully. Nad has since welcomed the decision and expects a public apology from the current government.
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Following recent conflict, Iran has received Russian MiG-29 fighter jets as an interim solution to strengthen its aging air force, with more advanced Sukhoi Su-35 jets anticipated. These acquisitions signal a broader effort to rapidly modernize aerial capabilities and address vulnerabilities exposed during conflict. The arrival of these jets, along with additional air defense systems, are seen as a strategic move to improve Iran’s military strength. This is intended to increase their leverage in diplomatic negotiations and potentially reshape the regional balance of power.
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Reports indicate that Ukraine has received MiG-29 fighter jets from Azerbaijan, a source that was not previously confirmed. The addition to the Ukrainian Air Force fleet comes at a time of heightened tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia. A photo circulating online shows a Ukrainian MiG-29 in Azerbaijani camouflage, suggesting it is in active service. Although the exact circumstances of the transfer remain unclear, this development underscores ongoing efforts to support Ukraine’s air capabilities.
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Sudanese MiG-29 Shoots Down Emirati Transport Over Darfur With 40+ Colombian Mercenaries Onboard. Alright, let’s unpack this incredibly complex and unfortunately common situation. The core of the matter is a Sudanese MiG-29 fighter jet taking down an Emirati transport aircraft over the Darfur region. What makes this immediately noteworthy is the reported presence of over forty Colombian mercenaries on board.
Sudanese MiG-29 Shoots Down Emirati Transport Over Darfur With 40+ Colombian Mercenaries Onboard. The immediate reaction, depending on your perspective, likely ranges from grim acceptance to outright relief. The scenario is undeniably fraught with geopolitical implications, hinting at a proxy war playing out in the heart of Africa, with various external actors vying for influence and resources.… Continue reading
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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A Ukrainian MiG-29 jet successfully struck a Russian drone team operating near the border in Kursk Oblast, destroying their position with a salvo of precision bombs. The target, a platoon from the 60th Motor Rifle Brigade, was launching drones that had been harassing Ukrainian forces in Sumy Oblast. This attack may represent a broader Ukrainian strategy to proactively target drone operators, particularly as Russia deploys more difficult-to-counter fiber-optic drones. The continued success of such raids, however, hinges on the ongoing supply of Western-made munitions, which faces uncertainty amid potential geopolitical shifts.
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Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, revealed that Russia will provide North Korea with MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets in exchange for the thousands of North Korean troops deployed to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. These Soviet-era aircraft, while not modern, represent a significant addition to North Korea’s air power. This exchange follows reports of North Korean troop deployments to the Kursk region and further underscores the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, a development that has alarmed the U.S. and its allies. This cooperation raises concerns about potential technology transfers to North Korea’s weapons programs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood