Russia’s FSB claims it thwarted a UK-Ukrainian plot to hijack a MiG-31 fighter jet

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that Ukrainian and British intelligence agencies foiled an attempt to hijack a MiG-31 fighter jet carrying the Kinzhal hypersonic missile as a provocation against NATO.

In a statement, the FSB said, “Ukrainian military intelligence officers attempted to recruit Russian pilots to hijack the fighter jet, promising them a payment of $3 million.”

According to the FSB’s claim, the plan was to divert the aircraft after its hijacking to the area of NATO’s largest air base in Southeastern Europe, located in Constanța, Romania.

The service reported that the objective was for the aircraft to be shot down by air defense systems there.

“The measures taken have foiled the plans of Ukrainian and British intelligence to carry out a large-scale provocation,” the statement read.

Russian pilots reported the operation to their command

In a video released by the FSB, Ukrainian intelligence is seen contacting Russian pilots in 2024.

After the pilots reported the situation to their command, security units were contacted. Subsequently, Russian special services launched a controlled operation with the participation of a pilot-navigator.

The pilot explained that a person using the name “Aleksandr” contacted him and proposed that he poison the MiG-31 commander during a flight and hijack the aircraft.

Messages, money, and audio recordings were released

As part of the operation, the FSB also shared messages sent to the pilot-navigator. Among these was a video showing a bag full of money and a note that read, “Come, we are waiting for you.”

In other published correspondence, a person using the alias “Leon” is seen trying to persuade the pilot to accept the proposed plan.

The FSB also released an audio recording allegedly belonging to a pilot from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In the recording, this individual is heard giving instructions on how to control the aircraft, perform maneuvers, and execute a landing.

The target base is set to become the largest in Europe

Near the city and port of Constanța, Romania, is the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, where US soldiers also serve.

Expansion work on the base began in 2024.

When the project is completed, the base will become the largest in Europe, with the capacity to host 10,000 military personnel.

The project, which will cover a total area of 2,800 hectares, has a declared cost of 2.5 billion euros.

The project includes the construction of runways, weapons platforms, and hangars for military aircraft, as well as schools, kindergartens, shops, and a hospital.

The first phase of construction is expected to be completed within five years, with the base planned to be fully operational by 2040.