Russian Navy MiG-29K lost in Mediterranean
Russian Navy MiG-29K lost in Mediterranean
Published: November 14th, 2016
Photo: RAC MiG
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Reports from sources available to
Combat Aircraft suggest that a Russian Navy Mikoyan MiG-29KR/KUBR naval fighter crashed in the Mediterranean during operations from the aircraft carrier
Admiral Kuznetsov yesterday afternoon, November 13.
The aircraft apparently came down close to the carrier on its return from a mission flown over Syria. Wreckage of the aircraft has been recovered, as was the pilot, although there is currently no confirmation regarding his condition.
Initial indications are that the aircraft was a two-seat MiG-29KUBR version. Operated by the 100th Independent Shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment, a total of four MiG-29KR/KUBRs were understood to be on board the carrier.
If confirmed, the news would deal a significant blow to the debut combat deployment of the
Admiral Kuznetsov, which was expected to commence air strikes against rebel-held areas of Aleppo, as the Syrian regime pushes for the final liberation of the city, with Russian air support.
The deployment of the carrier to the eastern Mediterranean is expected to allow Russian Navy Aviation to evaluate and test its recently delivered MiG-29KR/KUBR multi-role fighters, as well as its newly modernized Sukhoi Su-33 shipborne fighters.
Video
posted on social media suggests that elements of the MiG-29KR/KUBR contingent were flying over Syria as of November 12.
Full details of the
Admiral Kuznetsov deployment and the embarked air group will appear in the January issue of
Combat Aircraft.