Baku, September 4, 2025
A MiG-29 fighter jet bearing the distinctive camouflage of the Azerbaijani Air Force has been spotted in Ukrainian skies. The photo, widely shared across open sources, has raised questions about how such aircraft ended up in Ukraine’s service.
According to The War Zone, the jet in question is believed to be one of several MiG-29s previously undergoing maintenance at the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant. Just a month before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Azerbaijan reportedly sent three MiG-29s there for overhaul.
Now, at least one of them has been documented flying with Ukrainian markings while still retaining the Azerbaijani camouflage pattern. This has fueled speculation over three possible scenarios: an official transfer by Baku, a commercial sale, or simply Ukraine’s decision to use the jets that were already present on its territory for repairs.
Ukrainian and regional media, including RBC-Ukraine, reported that Kyiv is operating former Azerbaijani MiG-29s. Russian outlets such as EADaily have gone further, suggesting a direct transfer from Baku.
The debate intensified after images of the aircraft circulated on social media, showing Ukrainian insignia alongside the Azerbaijani-style paint scheme (The Dead District/X).
ruSSians report that Ukraine requisitioned several MiG-29 9-13 fighter jets of the Azerbaijani Air Force, which were undergoing repairs in 🇺🇦as of 2022.
They claim that 🇺🇦did this unilaterally))) But we understand that the 🇦🇿gave their consent
#2📷: AzAF MiG-29, for comparison. pic.twitter.com/lNzA5xSiTQ— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝕯𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝕯𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔠𝔱△ 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇺🇲🇬🇷 (@TheDeadDistrict) September 4, 2025
Military-focused outlet SouthFront also noted that these jets are already in operational use by Ukraine’s Air Force.
Historical context helps explain how the planes got there: as Wikipedia records, Azerbaijan sent three MiG-29s to Lviv for repairs in early 2022. Whether these aircraft were later transferred, sold, or simply absorbed into Ukraine’s fleet remains unclear.
For now, Baku has made no official statement.
But if the transfer theory proves correct, Azerbaijan would have been among the very first countries to provide combat aircraft to Ukraine at a time when most European states were still hesitating.
