In an extraordinary coincidence, two separate videos of the Soviet-origin MiG-29 Fulcrum surfaced on social media on November 4, creating a buzz across digital platforms. One video documented a MiG-29’s tragic crash in India, while the other showed a Ukrainian MiG-29 launching advanced U.S. bombs on Russian targets. The dual occurrence highlights the varied destinies of the same fighter model—facing mechanical failures in one country while becoming a weapon of war in another.
A MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on November 4 during a routine training sortie, leading to widespread concern about the aging aircraft in India’s defense lineup. The jet took off from Adampur, Punjab, and encountered a “system malfunction” while flying over Agra, causing the pilot to make a life-saving ejection and steer the aircraft to a safe crash landing in an open field.
According to an official statement by the IAF, “A MiG-29 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Agra during a routine training sortie after encountering a system malfunction. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to ensure no damage to life or property on the ground before ejecting safely. The IAF has ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.” The pilot’s swift actions and successful ejection spared lives on the ground, with no reported injuries or collateral damage in the vicinity.
A striking video of the doomed Indian MiG-29 circulated on social media, showing the fighter hurtling downwards in a flat spin. Flat spins are among the most hazardous conditions a pilot can face, as the aircraft has little to no forward velocity, leaving the pilot unable to regain control. In the footage, the MiG-29 spirals uncontrollably, a sight that underscores the technical challenges that often accompany older aircraft models like the Fulcrum.
Soon after the crash video went viral, additional images and videos of the wreckage appeared online, showing the MiG-29 engulfed in flames on a field, with black smoke billowing into the sky.
The Agra incident is the second MiG-29 accident reported by the IAF within the last few months. Earlier on September 2, an Indian MiG-29 fighter crashed during a night training mission in Barmer, Rajasthan. Similar to the recent case, the September accident was attributed to a “technical snag,” with the pilots managing to eject and avoid injuries on the ground. In 2020, another MiG-29 crash occurred near Jalandhar, Punjab, when the fighter reportedly lost responsiveness mid-flight, forcing the pilot to eject and leading to the aircraft’s fiery demise shortly afterward.
Despite these mishaps, the MiG-29 has a storied legacy within the Indian Air Force. India became the first export customer outside the Warsaw Pact nations to procure the aircraft in 1984, officially inducting the first batch in 1987. Since then, the MiG-29 has been a mainstay in the IAF’s fleet and was notably employed during the 1999 Kargil War as an escort for Mirage 2000s conducting airstrikes in Kashmir.
Recognizing the strategic value of the MiG-29, the Indian Ministry of Defense recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in August 2024 to upgrade 24 MiG-29 fighters with improved radar systems, advanced turbofan engines, new avionics, and enhanced subsystems. Additionally, this upgrade includes bomb racks and software modifications to enable the deployment of HSLD Mk 2 bombs with a range of 180 kilometers, thereby extending the aircraft’s striking capabilities amid border tensions.
For the IAF, modernizing the MiG-29 fleet is essential as they contend with a dwindling number of operational squadrons and delays in acquiring new indigenous fighters, such as the LCA Tejas MK1A. However, the increasing frequency of crashes highlights the potential risk of extending the operational life of aging aircraft.
While the Indian MiG-29 incident casts a shadow, a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum captured in combat action uplifted Ukrainian spirits. This viral video, shared by the Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) account ‘OSINTtechnical,’ shows a Ukrainian MiG-29 launching U.S.-made GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs) on Russian positions. This footage may mark the first time the MiG-29’s ability to release multiple GBU-39 bombs in a single mission has been documented, showcasing a tactical capability with major implications for the ongoing conflict.
The GBU-39, a precision-guided bomb developed by the United States, allows Ukraine’s MiG-29 fleet to conduct standoff strikes at distances up to 46 miles. According to the U.S. Air Force, “The GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb, or SDB, is an extended range all-weather, day or night 250-pound class, guided munition.” Equipped with GPS-guided precision and small size, the GBU-39 is designed to increase a plane’s payload and reduce potential collateral damage.
Reports indicate that the Ukrainian MiG-29 featured in the video was performing a close air support mission in Eastern Ukraine’s Orikhiv Axis, specifically targeting Russian infantry concentrations and ammunition depots. This demonstration of the Fulcrum’s advanced strike capabilities appears to be part of a larger Ukrainian counteroffensive in Eastern Ukraine.
Modifying the MiG-29 for GBU-39 bomb deployment required substantial technical and logistical adjustments, including training for pilots and alterations to the aircraft’s weapon systems. Underwing BRU-61 carriages were fitted to allow the aircraft to carry and release up to four GBU-39 bombs in a single sortie, significantly enhancing Ukraine’s ability to engage multiple targets with precision.
This recent video follows months of speculation, with earlier reports hinting at the MiG-29’s potential to deploy GBU-39 bombs. The May 2024 announcement by Ukraine’s military confirmed the operational use of air-launched SDBs, a move that was seen as a breakthrough for Ukraine’s air force in terms of targeting precision and operational range.
The response to the MiG-29 videos has been predictably polarized across India and Ukraine. For the IAF, the Agra crash is a stark reminder of the challenges associated with maintaining an aging fleet, especially amid delays in introducing newer, indigenous aircraft. Social media reactions in India ranged from expressions of relief for the pilot’s safe ejection to frustration over the frequency of MiG-29 crashes.
Conversely, the Ukrainian MiG-29 strike footage has galvanized support among Ukrainian social media users and military enthusiasts. The video showcases the Ukrainian Air Force’s ability to adapt older Soviet-era equipment for modern warfare with NATO-compatible munitions, highlighting Ukraine’s resourcefulness in the ongoing conflict. Notably, this adaptation aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy of leveraging Western weapons, training, and logistics support to offset Russia’s numerical and equipment superiority.
The simultaneous appearance of these MiG-29 videos underscores the varied geopolitical roles the aircraft plays in different regions. India’s fleet, acquired decades ago, serves primarily in training and as a stopgap measure as the IAF awaits new aircraft. In contrast, Ukraine’s MiG-29s have been transformed into a lifeline for its defensive strategy, adapted for compatibility with U.S.-made munitions and deployed in active combat.
For India, the question remains: How viable is it to maintain a fleet with recurring technical issues, even as newer platforms like the Rafale and Tejas MK1A become available? Each MiG-29 crash highlights the potential costs of extending the operational life of legacy aircraft, especially as India aims to bolster its air power along the northern and western borders.
In Ukraine’s case, the modified MiG-29s represent a blend of Soviet-era aviation engineering and modern Western munitions, creating a hybrid model that has proven effective in asymmetric warfare against a technically superior adversary. The GBU-39 bombs, by enhancing the MiG-29’s strike precision and reducing collateral damage, offer a strategic advantage as Ukraine battles to reclaim territories in Eastern Ukraine.
