A Ukrainian MiG-29MU1 fighter jet destroyed a strategically important bridge used by Russian forces near Pokrovsk with a high-precision bombing strike, according to a Ukrainian Telegram channel, linked to the Ait Force. The airstrike employed two French-made AASM (HAMMER) guided bombs and completely eliminated a bridge that had served both as a logistics route and shelter for Russian assault troops.
Ukrainian jet wipes out key Russian-used bridge in Donetsk Oblast
The strike on the bridge in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast was recorded and published by the Ukrainian Telegram channel Soniashnyk, which described the moment as the MiG “finishing off” the bridge near Pokrovsk. Earlier attacks had already damaged the structure, but this latest hit resulted in its full destruction. The video shows the twin AASM bombs targeting the bridge with deadly accuracy.
Soniashnyk noted that the bridge had previously served as a vital artery for Russian logistics and as a shelter for storm units operating in the area.
“Our ground forces' comrades ordered a concert—we delivered the fireworks,” the post added, referencing the coordinated nature of the strike.
MiG-29MU1
Militarnyi notes that the MiG-29MU1 of the Ukrainian Air Force is a domestically modernized version of the Soviet-era MiG-29. Its upgrades include improved radar components, which increase air target detection range by 30%, and the installation of the SN-3307-01 satellite navigation system. The modernization also includes a new radio system and a number of other technical enhancements.
Each MiG-29MU1 goes through a complete overhaul, with an average refurbishment time of nine months. The aircraft is fully disassembled, its airframe, engine, and components are inspected and repaired as needed, and the jet is then reassembled. As of 2021, the cost to modernize one MiG-29 to MU1 standard was around 100 million hryvnias, or roughly $3.6 million at that year’s exchange rate. Ukrainian defense industry was capable of upgrading up to 10 such jets annually.
