Russian Drone Strikes Ukrainian MiG-29 Fighter at Unprecedented Range

In a significant escalation of conflict dynamics in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, a Russian drone reportedly struck a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet at a distance of approximately 50 miles from the nearest reported Russian position. This development suggests that Russia’s small attack drones have extended their operational range significantly, potentially altering the strategic landscape in the region.

Viral Video: Russian Drone Targets Ukrainian Fighter

The dramatic incident was captured in a video shared online, revealing the moment when a Lancet drone dropped explosives on the Ukrainian fighter jet while it was stationed on the tarmac at Dolgintsevo air base near Kryvyi Rih.

Forbes reported on the video’s authenticity, regardless of the skepticism of some observers, adding weight to the gravity of the situation.

#Ukraine: A Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter aircraft was damaged by a Russian Lancet loitering munition at the airfield of Kryvyi Rih.

The closest Russian positions are located more than 65 kilometers away. pic.twitter.com/2plF7i6aMH

— 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) September 19, 2023

The Mikoyan MiG-29, one of several in Ukrainian service, has sustained damage, but it may be repairable. However, the more pressing concern is the apparent enhancement of Russia’s “suicide” drones, which now seem capable of reaching distances of up to 45 miles.

Overall, SOFREP could not independently verify the video. Thus, take it with a grain of salt.

This striking development places Dolgintsevo air base, where the attack occurred, well within the new operational range of these drones, with only about 50 miles separating it from the front line in southern Ukraine.

The Real Concern: Extended Range of Russian “Suicide” Drones

Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have been utilizing small, one-way drones as a means to target air defense systems, artillery, supply convoys, armored vehicles, and even individual infantry positions.

The Russian Lancet, a particularly effective variant of these explosive drones, has been deployed extensively. Previously, the baseline “Product 51” Lancet had a limited range of just 25 miles, which meant that Ukrainian Air Bases, housing numerous MiGs and Sukhois, remained out of reach for these diminutive drones.

However, the Kremlin has been actively developing longer-range Lancets, and this has been publicly acknowledged.

Russian propagandists highlighted the “Product 53” Lancet in August, boasting an extended range of nearly 45 miles. Dubbed “the next step in the evolution of the Lancet,” its designers aimed to create a drone that would be exceedingly difficult to counter.

Mitigating the Threat: Options for Ukrainian Air Force Planners

The strike on the MiG at Dolgintsevo may very well mark the combat debut of this new Lancet iteration. Equally disconcerting is the fact that a second drone was observed overseeing the Lancet attack, indicating that Ukrainian air defenses at the base were either inactive or ineffective.

The increased range of 45 miles now poses a substantial threat not only to the MiGs stationed at Dolgintsevo but also to Ukrainian warplanes utilizing the reserve base at Voznesensk in Mykolaiv Oblast. To mitigate this threat, Ukrainian Air Force planners may consider relocating their jets to more northern grounds, intensifying air-defense coverage at vulnerable facilities, providing shelter for parked jets, or implementing a combination of these measures.

Until now, the Ukrainian air force had managed to maintain a tactical advantage over Russian forces by receiving early warnings of major missile attacks, allowing them ample time to disperse their aircraft and crews to outlying airfields or even makeshift landing sites on highways.

A Lethal Arsenal in Russia’s Hands

The Lancet drone, produced by a subsidiary of Russia’s Kalashnikov arms manufacturer, was first introduced in 2019. Previous versions of the drone possessed a range of about 25 miles, weighed approximately 35 pounds, and could cruise at a speed of about 70 mph, as reported by Forbes.

However, according to a source familiar with the drone’s manufacturer, Zala Aero, the MiG-29 was hit at a distance of “more than 80 kilometers,” equivalent to about 50 miles, from the drone’s launch point. This revelation underscores the drone’s evolution into a formidable “front-line long arm.”

This development presents a new and formidable challenge for the Ukrainian air force, which had previously enjoyed relative security as their main air bases remained out of reach for Russia’s small attack drones.

In recent months, Russia has intensified its utilization of Lancet drones in Ukraine, employing these cost-effective assets to target high-value objectives, as reported by Reuters. These small “kamikaze” drones come at a price of approximately 3 million rubles, equivalent to about $31,000, according to publicly available Russian sources. Their effectiveness is partially attributed to their slow speed and low flying altitude, which pose difficulties for air-defense systems primarily designed to counter fast-moving targets. These drones have proven most effective against light-armored vehicles, artillery systems, and older tanks.

Samuel Bendett, an expert in unmanned and robotic military systems at the Center for Naval Analyses, suggests that if the strike occurred as reported, it might indicate the involvement of Russia’s Special Forces, who are known users of Lancet drones.

Meanwhile, Gen. James Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa, noted that Ukrainian pilots “almost never take off from and land at the same airfield,” a protective measure that has significantly reduced the threat posed by Russian bombardment. However, the introduction of a longer-range Lancet drone increases the complexity of this challenge.

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As Ukraine anticipates the arrival of secondhand European F-16s later this year, it will undoubtedly intensify its efforts to address this new threat and ensure the security of its air force operations.

Furthermore, the evolution of drone technology in this conflict demonstrates the continually shifting dynamics of modern warfare, demanding innovative and adaptive strategies from all parties involved.