A Russian MiG-31 fighter-interceptor jet crashed in Lipetsk Oblast while attempting to land on October 9, according to the russian Defense Ministry.
The MiG-31, a twin-seat supersonic aircraft capable of carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, has been extensively used by Russia to strike targets deep inside Ukraine. The aircraft is a key component of Moscow’s long-range attack strategy. The crash occurred shortly before Russia launched a large-scale overnight drone and missile attack against Ukraine on October 10.
Telegram monitoring channels reported that Russian forces launched Kinzhal missiles during the strike.
“The aircraft crew ejected, and ther is no threat to the pilots’ lives,” the Russian Defense Ministry stated, claiming the jet was on a routine training flight without weapons onboard.
The plane reportedly crashed in an uninhabited area, causing a fire. The MiG-31 can reach speeds of up to 3,000 kilometers per hour (1,860 miles per hour) and climb to altitudes of 21,000 meters (68,900 feet). It is designed to intercept and destroy aircraft.
The ministry did not specify the cause of the accident.
MiG-31 crashes have occurred repeatedly in recent years.In 2022, one crashed in Murmansk Oblast, another went down in Kamchatka Krai the same year, and a third crashed in krasnodar Krai in 2024.
Ukraine has also destroyed several Russian MiG-31 jets in its strikes.
Following the overnight attack launched after the crash, Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko reported, “From the explosions that just occurred - a ballistic missile attack is ongoing. Missiles one after another, air defense is active.” The attack resulted in a child’s death and 15 injuries across Ukraine, causing blackouts in Kyiv.
