Pilot Alexander Gribov, an Honored Military pilot of the Russian Federation, stated on November 11 that landing a MiG-31 fighter jet from the rear cockpit in case of hijacking is impossible. “The flight operations manual does not provide for landing from the rear cockpit, therefore, in case of a situation, the pilot-navigator must activate the ejection system to save the crew’s lives. Landing is impossible and will inevitably lead to disaster,” Gribov emphasized.
Earlier that day, the FSB’s public relations center reported on the prevention of an attempt by Ukrainian military intelligence, with support from British intelligence agencies, to hijack a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet equipped with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile. The operation involved efforts by Ukrainian military intelligence to recruit Russian pilots, offering up to $3 million for flights to NATO countries. A Russian pilot targeted in the scheme described interactions via the internet, including offers of large sums of cash and promises of Western citizenship. The Ukrainian military leadership’s attempt to exploit personnel for sabotage was condemned as a reckless and dangerous endeavor.
Russian Pilot Warns of Impossibility to Land Hijacked MiG-31, Citing Military Intelligence Attempt
