Parts From MiG-29 Fighter Jets Stolen at Hungarian Military Airfield

Spare parts have been stolen from decommissioned MiG-29 fighter jets stored at a Hungarian military airfield.

Hungarian media Blikk reported on the issue.

The incident occurred about two weeks ago at the Kecskemét Air Base, according to the Blikk. The site houses about 20 Soviet-era MiG-29s formerly in service with the Hungarian Air Force.

According to the report, unknown individuals cut through the perimeter fence, drove onto the base and gained access to the aircraft.

Sources told Blikk that components had been taken from the onboard radar compartments located under the nose fairings of the aircraft.

The Bács-Kiskun County Police Headquarters confirmed to news outlet Telex that a criminal case had been opened but declined to provide details, citing the ongoing investigation. The Ministry of Defence gave the same response.

Hungarian MiG-29s

Hungary received its MiG-29 fleet from Russia in 1993 as part of a debt repayment. The jets were retired in 2010 and replaced with Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters.

In 2019, the government offered 19 retired MiG-29s for sale in an open tender, but no buyers came forward.