Pilota ucraino del MiG-29 Ivan Smerechanskyi, nominativo “Smereka” [Fir Tree]dice che i piloti sono superstiziosi e ammette di volare con un orsacchiotto

Ivan Smerechanskyi (“Smereka”) is a MiG-29 pilot and the commander of the aviation squadron of the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade.

**On His Talisman and Fear of Heights**

This teddy bear is my combat companion. It has flown with me since the full-scale invasion began, and even earlier—since 2018. It was a gift from friends. We joke that it has its own flight and medical records because it goes through all the checks with me. Pilots are a bit superstitious, and this bear is both a talisman and a toy my daughter loves to play with.

When I applied to the Academy, I was asked if I had a fear of heights. I answered honestly—yes. But here I am, a pilot. It’s normal to fear heights. Flying in a civilian plane also scares me because I’m not in control. But when I’m in the cockpit, I understand the aircraft and trust it because I’m in charge.

**Most Memorable Combat Mission since the start of full-scale invasion**

The first use of HARM missiles—the liberation of Kharkiv Oblast. It was the first operation where we didn’t fully understand how the weapon would perform. However, our partners assured us everything would work—and it did. Still, there was some nervousness. No one in the world had done this with a MiG-29 before.

**On Russian Pilots**

I was near Kharkiv at the time and saw Russians bombing that poor city. When I hear their excuses like, “We didn’t know civilians were there,” it’s nonsense. As a pilot you prepare for a combat mission, enter coordinates into the navigator, and check the map. You see it’s Kharkiv. I even discussed with my friends what we would do in their place. If you’re a conscious person, drop the bomb outside the city and claim something went wrong. Let them jail you—it’s better than knowing you bombed a city. Claiming ignorance doesn’t hold water. You analyze every target and know exactly where you’re using your weapon.

**Thoughts on the death of russian pilot involved in the 2022 Kremenchuk shopping mall attack.**

He deserved it. You return home to your wife and kids knowing you launched missiles at a shopping mall or civilian homes. How do you sleep at night? But such people aren’t burdened by a conscience—they consider it normal.

**On enemies, beyond their moral failings.**

They learn, analyze, and observe our tactics. They copy everything we innovate. Their planes are much more advanced and modernized. They’ve become well-trained in how to operate effectively.

**On Air Superiority.**

Our planes are over 40 years old, while theirs are modernized and less than 10 years old. It’s like racing an old car against a new one—you need new equipment to win. That said, we have air defense, which they fear. So they don’t have total air superiority. Otherwise, they’d freely fly anywhere over our territory and do as they please.

**Dreams of a Ukrainian Squadron Commander.**

If we’re dreaming, I’d want my entire squadron equipped with F-22s and F-35s—and for Ukraine to have several such squadrons. That would guarantee air dominance. The russians would know we can detect and engage them from afar. That’s the future I envision.

**On Civilian Support**

While it’s not at the same scale as in 2022, the support is still there.

At the start of the war, we needed flight suits and equipment. Now, we have those. So I always tell people to support our infantry—electronic warfare systems, drones, etc.

Please – don’t stop supporting the army. Remember, it’s tough for everyone—for those in trenches, those supporting them, and those flying. But it’s our duty to defend.

Don’t stop donating. Even 10-20 hryvnias make a big difference.

Remember, if our planes are flying, the skies are secure, and everything will be fine. Victory will come soon.

[https://suspilne.media/932125-sob-litak-zletiv-potribno-blizko-100-ludej-pilot-smereka-pro-vijnu-v-nebi-ta-perevedenna-fahivciv-povitranih-sil/](https://suspilne.media/932125-sob-litak-zletiv-potribno-blizko-100-ludej-pilot-smereka-pro-vijnu-v-nebi-ta-perevedenna-fahivciv-povitranih-sil/)

Better than flying with a vodka bottle

Standard. the military is full of superstitious people. You’ll see everything from amulets to refusing to have a certain brand of chewing gum. It is what it is.

That’s a pretty cool teddy so I don’t blame him