KYIV, June 27, 2026 — The Ukrainian Air Force lost two MiG-29 fighter jets in separate incidents over the past 24 hours, highlighting the continuing challenges facing Ukraine's combat aviation as Russia expands the use of high-speed jet-powered Geran-4 attack drones.
One MiG-29 was destroyed on the ground by a Russian Geran-4 one-way attack drone while preparing for a combat mission at an airfield in southern Ukraine. The second aircraft was lost during a combat mission over the Poltava region in central Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities confirmed there were no fatalities in either incident.
MiG-29 Lost During Combat Mission
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that contact was lost with a MiG-29 fighter during a combat mission on the night of June 27 in the Poltava region.
The pilot successfully ejected, was recovered by search-and-rescue personnel, and transported to a medical facility for examination. The cause of the aircraft's loss remains under investigation, with officials yet to determine whether it resulted from enemy action, a mechanical failure, or another operational factor.
Poltava Oblast, about 350 kilometers northeast of Kyiv, regularly serves as an operational area for Ukrainian fighter aircraft conducting interception and ground-attack missions.
Geran-4 Destroys MiG-29 at Airfield
In a separate incident, Russian media released footage showing a Geran-4 jet-powered kamikaze drone striking a MiG-29 as it was being prepared for a combat mission at an airfield in southern Ukraine. Ukrainian sources confirmed the aircraft was destroyed, while personnel at the site survived the attack.
The strike reflects Russia's growing focus on targeting Ukrainian aircraft during ground operations, when they are most vulnerable before takeoff.
Geran-4 Introduces New Airfield Threat
The Geran-4 entered operational service in May 2026 after completing production preparations and testing at the Primorsk base and the former Donetsk airport, according to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate.
Powered by a Chinese-made Telefly LX-WP-160 or TF-TJ2000A turbojet engine, the Geran-4 cruises at 350–500 km/h, significantly faster than the piston-engine Geran-2. The drone has a reported range of up to 850 km and can carry either a 50 kg high-explosive or thermobaric warhead, or a 90 kg thermobaric payload. It also features fixed wings, a reinforced airframe, and upgraded electronics designed for high-speed operations.
Geran-4 vs. Geran-2
| Feature | Geran-2 | Geran-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Piston engine | Chinese Telefly LX-WP-160 or TF-TJ2000A turbojet |
| Cruise Speed | ~180 km/h | 350–500 km/h |
| Range | Up to 2,500 km | Up to 850 km |
| Warhead | 30–50 kg high explosive | 50 kg high explosive/thermobaric or 90 kg thermobaric |
| Dimensions | 3.5 m length, 2.5 m wingspan | 3.5 m length, 3 m wingspan |
International Supply Chain
According to Ukrainian intelligence, a recovered Geran-4 contained components sourced from multiple countries. Identified parts included memory chips from Micron Technology and transceivers from Texas Instruments in the United States, transistors manufactured by Germany's Infineon Technologies, and a UC9810 GNSS receiver produced by China's Unicore Communications. Additional components were traced to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, and Taiwan.
Ukraine Adapts to Emerging Drone Threat
The attack on the southern airfield reflects an increasing Russian emphasis on striking aircraft before they become airborne. Similar tactics were previously observed when a Geran-2 destroyed a Mi-8 helicopter at the Mykhailivka helipad.
Ukraine has begun adapting its air defenses to counter the new threat. In early May 2026, the 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment recorded the first confirmed interception of a Geran-4 using a Wild Hornets STING interceptor drone. Nevertheless, intercepting jet-powered drones traveling at speeds of up to 500 km/h remains a significant operational challenge.
Pressure on Ukraine's MiG-29 Fleet
The Soviet-designed MiG-29 remains a key component of Ukraine's fighter fleet. Since 2022, Ukraine has received replacement aircraft from Slovakia and Bulgaria, while a planned transfer of Poland's remaining MiG-29s remains suspended pending the delivery of agreed Ukrainian drone technology.
According to the open-source intelligence project Oryx, more than 100 Ukrainian fixed-wing aircraft losses have been visually confirmed since February 2022.
Ukraine is gradually transitioning to Western fighter aircraft, with F-16s already in operational service and future deliveries of French Rafale and Swedish Gripen fighters planned. Until those fleets expand, the remaining MiG-29s will continue to play an important role in Ukrainian air operations.
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