Vagif Kurbanov Azerbaijani pilot Country: Azerbaijan

1. Biography of Vagif Kurbanov
2. Stealing the Fighter Jet
3. Attacks on Armenian Targets
4. Attack on a Refugee Plane
5. Final Mission and Death
6. Recognition and Honor

Biography of Vagif Kurbanov

Vagif Bakhtiar oglu Kurbanov was an Azerbaijani pilot who represented the jet aviation of Azerbaijan during the early stage of the Karabakh War. He graduated from the Borisoglebsk Flight School and served in the Soviet Army, where he achieved the rank of Senior Lieutenant.

Stealing the Fighter Jet

On April 8, 1992, Kurbanov hijacked a Su-25 attack aircraft from the Sitalkhi airbase, where the 80th separate assault aviation regiment was stationed. With the help of two compatriots, Lieutenant Mamedov and Sergeant Kuliev, the pilot prepared the aircraft for flight and flew to the civilian Eqlak airbase. Russia demanded that Azerbaijan return the stolen plane, but the request was ignored. As a result, the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered the destruction of the deserter plane, and a pair of MiG-23s were put on combat alert at the Vaziani airbase. A month later, on May 8, Kurbanov began making regular sorties into the combat zone in Karabakh.

Attacks on Armenian Targets

During his two days of sorties on May 8-9, Kurbanov carried out attacks on Stepanakert and nearby Armenian villages, resulting in the deaths of 30 Armenians and injuries to 120 others. The strikes mainly targeted residential areas and civilian populations, while Armenian units suffered minimal losses.

Attack on a Refugee Plane

On May 9, 1992, Vagif Kurbanov attacked an Armenian Yak-40 plane carrying refugees. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Sisian, and all passengers were safely evacuated, but the plane was completely destroyed by fire.

Final Mission and Death

Despite the Su-25 being well-suited for providing fire support to ground troops, Kurbanov primarily focused on bombing Armenian cities and villages. The commander of the 80th separate Assault Aviation Regiment, where Kurbanov served, described his professional skills as mediocre. On June 13, 1992, his aircraft was shot down by Armenian forces near Askeran, resulting in Kurbanov's death.

Recognition and Honor

Vagif Bakhriyar oglu Kurbanov was posthumously awarded the highest Azerbaijani honor, the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan, by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.