Russian MiG-29A fighter damaged during transport mishap in Yerevan

A Russian Aerospace Forces MiG-29A sustained minor damage during transportation in Yerevan, Armenia, on August 24, 2025.

According to local reports, a rigid towing coupling failed at about 02:15 local time as the fighter was being moved from the Erebuni airfield, causing the aircraft to roll back into a metal pole on Arshakunyats Avenue, and then into a fence. No injuries were reported, and the move soon resumed.

The aircraft involved was identified as MiG-29A “15 Red” (RF-92181, factory number 2960526360), produced in 1989 and long associated with Russia’s detachment at Erebuni. Spotter records indicate this airframe was last seen flying in 2022, suggesting it may have been in transit after decommissioning.

The MiG-29A, an early-production variant of the fourth-generation fighter, has been gradually phased out of Russian service in favor of more modern platforms such as the MiG-29SMT and Su-30SM.

Erebuni hosts Russia’s 3624th Air Base, which for decades has operated MiG-29s alongside helicopter units. The base’s remaining airframes are among the last original MiG-29 models still in service.

Russia’s air presence in Armenia

Russia’s military footprint in Armenia rests on two pillars: the 102nd Military Base in Gyumri and the aviation detachment at Erebuni near Yerevan. The Gyumri base lease was extended in 2010 and remains valid through 2044, anchoring Russia’s presence under bilateral agreements.

However, that footprint has been questioned in 2024. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in February 2024 that Armenia had frozen participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, criticizing the bloc’s performance during earlier border crises.

In April 2024, the Kremlin confirmed Russian peacekeepers began withdrawing from Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s takeover the previous year. In July 2024, Russia completed the withdrawal of its border guards from Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport at Armenia’s request.The post Russian MiG-29A fighter damaged during transport mishap in Yerevan appeared first on AeroTime.

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