07:39 10-10-2025

Pilots Survive Crash of Jet Carrying Kinzhal Missile

A Russian jet capable of carrying the Kinzhal hypersonic missile crashed during a training flight. Both pilots ejected moments before impact.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the crash of an Air Force interceptor aircraft during a training flight in the Lipetsk Region. According to the military agency, the accident occurred on the evening of October 9, as the crew was performing a routine training mission and preparing to land.

The ministry stated that there were no casualties. The pilot and the navigator managed to eject after steering the aircraft away from populated areas. Their ejection took place at the very last moment, as they attempted to guide the descending jet toward an uninhabited zone to avoid damage on the ground. Both servicemen sustained injuries due to the low altitude of the ejection but were promptly located by search teams. Their condition is currently reported as stable, and their lives are not in danger.

The aircraft came down in an empty area of the Chaplyginsky District. It carried no ammunition. The impact caused a fire, which was quickly extinguished by emergency responders. The causes of the crash have not been disclosed.

The downed aircraft was identified as a MiG-31 — a Russian supersonic high-altitude interceptor. At present, aircraft of this type are the only ones in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces capable of carrying the «Kinzhal» hypersonic air-launched missile system.