Russian forces detected two Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets preparing for takeoff during reconnaissance of Voznesensk airfield. "One aircraft, fully loaded with air-to-air weapons, was parked outside a hardened hangar, while the other was inside a concrete bunker, being refueled. Two Geran-4 suicide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used to attack the targets," Russia's Ministry of Defense stated on 27/6.

Video extracted from Russian UAV sensors shows a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet in an open parking area, surrounded by vehicles, technicians, and pilots preparing for a mission. The suicide UAV locked onto the MiG-29 and dove, causing the Ukrainian aircraft and several surrounding vehicles to catch fire, creating a column of black smoke over part of the airfield.

Russian UAV strikes Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets at Voznesensk base in a video released on 27/6. *Video: Russian Ministry of Defense*

In the subsequent video, a Geran-4 UAV equipped with an infrared camera targeted the bunker sheltering the second MiG-29 fighter jet. A TZ-22 tanker truck was parked outside, refueling the aircraft, while the fire from the previous strike was still burning.

The Russian military did not release images of the scene after the second strike, but it is likely that the UAV's warhead destroyed the TZ-22 tanker truck and severely damaged the aircraft inside.

"The attack destroyed two MiG-29 fighter jets with air-to-air weapons, one refueling tanker truck, and one APA-5D power supply vehicle. The pilots and technicians responsible for flight preparation were also killed," Russia's Ministry of Defense stated.

Ukrainian officials have not commented on the information.

On the same day, Ukraine's Air Force Command announced that a MiG-29 fighter jet crashed during a combat mission in Poltava province, about 300 km from Mykolaiv. The cause of the incident was not disclosed, but Ukrainian officials confirmed the pilot safely ejected and was rescued.

Voznesensk is a reserve airfield for the Ukrainian air force, located on the outskirts of the city of the same name in Mykolaiv province in the southern part of the country, approximately 137 km from the front line.

Location of Voznesensk air base in Mykolaiv province. *Graphic: RYV*

Ukraine inherited 240 MiG-29 fighter jets from the Soviet Union and has received numerous aircraft from NATO countries since the conflict began. This fleet is often deployed to counter Russian UAVs and cruise missiles, with some aircraft modified to launch Western-supplied missiles and glide bombs.

Oryx, an open-source intelligence tracking website based in the Netherlands, estimates at least 36 Ukrainian MiG-29s have been destroyed since the start of the conflict. By 2025, the Ukrainian air force is estimated to have 53 MiG-29 aircraft in service. This fleet faces challenges due to a lack of spare parts and damage from some Russian attacks.

Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) stated that Russia began producing Geran-4 unmanned aerial vehicles with jet engines in January this year and started using this model in May.

The design of the Geran-4 UAV focuses on aerodynamic improvements, a reinforced airframe structure, and a more powerful engine compared to the jet-powered Geran-3 series. According to the GUR, this is a measure to counter Ukrainian interceptor drones.

The Geran-4 can perform maneuvers while flying at speeds of 300-400 km/h, reaching a maximum speed of 500 km/h, with a range of 450 km and a ceiling of 5,000 m. Thanks to its robust airframe, the Geran-4 can carry fragmentation or thermobaric warheads weighing 50-90 kg.

Nguyen Tien (According to TASS, RIA Novosti, AFP)