picture 192011

Probably the best-known ex-Moldovan MiG-29 that entered service with the PDRYAF was this former mount of the Soviet Navy’s 86 Guards Interceptor Aviation Regiment (86. GIAP), itself a part of the 119th Naval Interceptor Division. Originally camouflaged in green, dark green and sand-brown on top surfaces, and light blue-grey on undersurfaces, it was oversprayed with a thin layer of green enamel before delivery to Yemen. In service with the PDRYAF, it received the serial number 41, but retained the ‘Eagle with Sword’ applied in yellow and brown between the cockpit and gun port. Wreckage of this aircraft was found at Aden AB in early July 1994. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)