Ukraine’s Security Service Detains Ukrainian Air Force Officer Accused of Spying on F-16, Mirage 2000 Deployments

Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) has detained an officer in the Ukrainian Air Force accused of acting as a mole for Russian military intelligence and gathering information to facilitate strikes on airbases housing F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

The officer, identified as an instructor pilot with the rank of major, served in an air brigade involved in intercepting enemy missiles and drones, and in supporting Ukrainian ground operations from the air, the SSU said in a statement.

According to the investigation, the pilot passed intelligence to Russia’s GRU on multiple targets and missions.

“First, he provided data to prepare missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian Air Force facilities,” the SSU said. “Among the top targets were airfields used by F-16, Mirage 2000, and Su-24 aircraft.”

Investigators say the officer collected coordinates of aircraft positions, flight schedules, and deployment patterns. He also allegedly prepared an analytical report for Russian forces, outlining suggested tactics for conducting combined strikes to increase the effectiveness of future attacks on airbases.

“Second, the agent passed on the personal data of Ukrainian pilots, tail numbers of aircraft, onboard weapons, and operational tactics,” the SSU added.

For operational security, the accused reportedly used anonymous email channels and encrypted messaging apps to communicate with Russian intelligence.

The officer was arrested while attempting to gather a “new portion” of sensitive information.

He is expected to be formally charged with high treason. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment and the confiscation of his assets.