Ukrainian Air Force Reveals Black MiG-29

Fighter jet’s new livery includes a 'Ghost of Kyiv' emblem on the nose.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 05:18 PM ET

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Kimberly Johnson

Ukrainian Air Force has unveiled a new matte-black paint scheme for one of its MiG-29 fighters—and it’s gaining attention. [Ukrainian Air Force/ screenshot]

Key Takeaways:

The Ukrainian Air Force unveiled a new matte-black paint scheme for one of its MiG-29 fighters, featuring blue-and-yellow stripes for identification and a "Ghost of Kyiv" emblem.
The "Ghost of Kyiv" emblem pays homage to a morale-boosting legend about a Ukrainian pilot credited with shooting down multiple Russian aircraft early in the conflict.
This unusual matte-black livery deviates from traditional camouflage and is speculated to serve a psychological purpose or symbolize Ukraine's ongoing resilience.

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The Ukrainian Air Force has unveiled a new matte-black paint scheme for one of its MiG-29 fighters—and it’s gaining attention.

The livery, unveiled in a Ukrainian Air Force’s 204th Tactical Aviation Brigade Facebook post and first reported by defense news website The War Zone, includes blue-and-yellow stripes on its wing leading edges, flaps, and ailerons to “provide a rapid visual identification.” On its nose is a white “Ghost of Kyiv” emblem.