The MIG-29; NATO reporting name ‘Fulcrum’.
Operational with the Soviet air force from 1983, this fighter was something entirely new. Not the giant sized MIG-25 or the swipe winged MIG-27. Instead this was a slick, modern air superiority fighter that looked and flew very much like the F-16 and F-15.
The MIG-29 proved itself a capable dog fighter but like many Soviet aircraft was hampered by both pilot training and the avionics and technology available.
Fulcrums have fought in conflicts across the world for over 40 years. Most have been retired from service of most militaries, but some soldier on.
One such country still flying the 29’s is Ukraine.
Ukrainian MIG-29’s have found themselves pressed into service as bombers as well as fighters, launching everything from precision guided bombs to anti-radiation missiles for taking out SAM sites.
Whilst the F-16 and Mirage fighters Ukraine is now receiving are more modern and capable aircraft, the needs of the war will see Ukrainian MIG’s still flying against their former masters for the time being.
Sources
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/truth-about-mig-29-180952403/
https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/197174/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-29a/
https://pimaair.org/museum-aircra
ft/mig-29/