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.
The legend of the morale-boosting Ghost of Kyiv has existed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. On the first day of the conflict, a story emerged on Ukraine’s official Twitter channel about an unnamed Ukrainian pilot who allegedly shot down six Russian aircraft within the first 30 hours of the war, with four more destroyed two days later.
The pilot, heralded as a hero for his actions, was given the nickname of “The Ghost of Kyiv” because of his ability to hit the targets then disappear quickly back into the air.
A black MiG-29 of the 204th Sevastopol Brigade of Tactical Aviation of the Ukrainian Air Forces. pic.twitter.com/zT9WFPinJu
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While it’s standard procedure for the Ukrainian Air Force to repaint fighters after an overhaul, the matte-black color “seems to be an anomaly” from the more traditional pixelated gray camouflage, The War Zone reported.
Some speculate the color “serves a psychological purpose” meant to intimidate Russian pilots, while others believe it stands as a symbol of Ukraine’s continued resilience, the EurAsian Times reported.
