Ivan Yefimovich Zhukov (Russian: Иван Ефимович Жуков; 31 December 1934 – 10 April 2021) was an officer of the Soviet Air Force.

Rising through the ranks, he served in fighter regiments, and as an instructor pilot, later becoming involved in training and development of new technologies.

The MiG-25 design was altered to prevent further accidents, and Zhukov was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his role in saving the aircraft, and the contribution to technological developments.

Zhukov then studied at the Air Force Academy, graduating in 1967, and in June that year was then assigned as a senior instructor-pilot of the 764th Fighter Aviation Regiment, stationed at Bolshoye Savino airfield in Perm.

[1] In August 1981, Zhukov was at Krichev airfield, in Mogilev Region, taking part in a demonstration flight of the MiG-25PU.

Descending to the airfield, Zhukov made a practice pass above the runway at safe ejection height, and decided to risk a landing.

[1][2] On 16 February 1982 a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR awarded Zhukov the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, number 11466, with the concurrent award of the Order of Lenin, number 458505, and the Gold Star for "courage and heroism shown in the development of new weapons and military equipment and the rescue of an aircraft in an emergency".

[1][4] In June 1985 Zhukov became Chairman of the Qualification Commission, and senior inspector-pilot of the Air Defence Force.