Ukrainian MiG-29 Pilot Selected for Gripen Training
A decorated Ukrainian Air Force pilot known for a mid-air ejection selfie will become one of the first Ukrainian aviators to fly the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet.
ukdefencejournal.org.ukUkrainian Air Force Lt. Col. Vadym “Karaya” Voroshylov has been chosen to train as one of Ukraine’s initial pilots on the JAS 39 Gripen. Voroshylov is a decorated MiG-29 pilot who gained attention after ejecting from a damaged aircraft and taking a selfie while descending under parachute.
The announcement identifies him as one of the first Ukrainian pilots scheduled to operate the Swedish multirole fighter. No additional Ukrainian pilots were named in the reporting.
Voroshylov’s prior service includes combat operations in the MiG-29. His documented ejection incident occurred during an operational mission. The same sources note his continued assignment to front-line Ukrainian Air Force units following recovery. No timeline for the start of Gripen conversion training was provided.
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