Ukrainian Air Force comments on Russian MiG activity on 17 August

The Ukrainian Air Force has noted that the take-offs of Russian MiG-31K on 17 August were probably training and tactical, however air defence systems must always respond to the threat of the use of aeroballistic missiles by the Russian Federation.

Source: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast and in his comments to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "Yesterday, there were simply more take-offs, probably training flights. Aircraft and in particular flight crews need to maintain constant flying skills. This includes take-off and landing, heading to missile launch points, etc. Such tactical techniques are used specifically for this type of aircraft.

The exercises do not guarantee that a Kh-47 Kinzhal will not be launched".

Details: Ihnat recalled that the Russian Federation has repeatedly practised several take-offs of MiG-31 fighters per day. The officer said the "K" modification means that this aircraft can carry Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, so Ukraine's air defence should respond preemptively and therefore air-raid warnings are always issued throughout Ukraine.

When the tank is fully refuelled, such an aircraft can stay in the air for up to 1.5 hours. In response to UP's remark that the last air-raid warning in the evening of the previous day was in force for more than two hours, Ihnat noted that at that time, a pair of MiGs took off one after the other.

Reminder: On 17 August, 4 air-raid warnings were issued in Ukraine due to the takeoff of Russian fighter jets.

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