Aviation News – Russia says it has stopped an alleged plan involving Ukrainian and British operatives to steal a MiG-31 interceptor equipped with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile., according to state media reports. The development has drawn international attention due to rising tensions around military aviation assets in the ongoing conflict.
The Russian FSB asserts that Ukrainian military intelligence intended to use the aircraft in a staged provocation aimed at a NATO airbase in Constanța, Romania, where it could then be downed by air defense systems.
According to the FSB, Russian pilots were allegedly offered $3 million to fly the jet to Ukrainian-controlled territory. In a video released by Russian security services, one of the pilots claims that the payment was to be transferred directly to his personal bank card.
The FSB also referenced the investigative journalism group Bellingcat, alleging that the individual communicating with the pilot presented himself as a member of that organization.
In another video clip published by the FSB, a voice message claims that “the safety of the pilots will be guaranteed by British intelligence MI6.”
Russian authorities further assert that, in addition to the financial incentive, the pilot was offered citizenship in a Western country in exchange for delivering the MiG-31.
