Russian MiG-29 jet and the Pantsir air defense meant to protect it both hit in Ukrainian strike on Kursk airfield

Ukraine's Defense Forces struck a series of Russian military targets across occupied Ukraine and Russia between 20 July and the night of 21 July, including a fighter jet, an air defense system, radar equipment, logistics depots, and drone command posts, Ukraine's General Staff reported.

The reported strikes were part of a broader effort to reduce Russia's military and economic potential, according to the military.

Airfield in Russia's Kursk Oblast targeted

In a statement, the General Staff said Ukraine's 15th "Black Forest" Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade successfully carried out a strike on Khalino airfield in Russia's Kursk Oblast.

According to the military, the operation damaged a Russian MiG-29 fighter jet and a Pantsir-S1 self-propelled air defense missile and gun system. 

The MiG-29 remains one of Russia's standard tactical fighter aircraft despite its Soviet-era origins. Primarily used to patrol airspace, engage hostile aircraft, and support combat operations, the jet continues to play a significant role in Russia's air campaign against Ukraine.

The Pantsir-S1 is a short-range air defense system designed to protect high-value military assets, including airfields such as Khalino, from aircraft, missiles, and drones.

Khalino airfield, near the city of Kursk, has repeatedly been used by Russian tactical aviation operating near Ukraine's northeastern border and has previously been targeted by Ukrainian long-range strikes.

Radar, depots, and drone control posts hit

The General Staff also reported striking a Bussol-S radar station near Horly in occupied Kherson Oblast. According to the military, the radar detects, tracks, and provides targeting data on maritime targets, supporting Russian coastal surveillance operations.

Ukrainian forces also struck a logistics depot near Davydivske in occupied Donetsk Oblast, an ammunition depot near Kundriuche in occupied Luhansk Oblast, and another logistics warehouse near Popovo-Lezhachi in Russia's Kursk Oblast, the statement said.

In addition, Ukraine reported hitting Russian drone control posts near Komar and the village of Zaporizhzhia in Donetsk Oblast, as well as near Kamianske in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian airfields, logistics hubs, air defense systems, and drone infrastructure in an effort to disrupt Moscow's ability to sustain operations along the front and launch long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities.