A Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet has been involved in a spectacular pursuit of a Russian Shahed jet-powered drone, following it at extremely low altitude along the coast of the Odessa region.
Footage published online shows the Ukrainian plane closely following the Russian drone, as both fly at a very low altitude over the coastal area.
The maneuver demonstrates the difficulty of interception operations, especially when the target flies near the surface.
During the pursuit, the MiG-29 approaches the drone significantly before a powerful explosion appears in the air. After the explosion, the drone loses control and crashes, being neutralized before reaching its target.
The Shahed family of drones has been widely used by Russia in air strikes against Ukraine. Due to their large numbers and low-altitude flight, they pose a challenge to Ukrainian air defenses.
Ukraine uses a combination of ground-based air defense systems, electronic means, and fighter jets to detect and shoot down attacking drones.
The MiG-29, a Soviet-made aircraft used for years by the Ukrainian Air Force, continues to play a role in airspace defense. /Telegraph/