India urgently buys MiG-29 fighters from Russia

India urgently buys MiG-29 fighters from Russia.

The Indian media "The Economic Times" said that New Delhi is accelerating the process for the acquisition of 21 MiG-29 "Fulcrum" jets to form an additional fighter squadron.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is suffering from a serious shortage of fighter aircraft and this explains the region for which India has asked Russia to deliver the aircraft within a few months. Despite the introduction of the 36 Rafales, the total amount of fighter aircraft that will remain in service in the IAF is strongly decreasing due to the progressive radiation of 134 MiG-21s and 44 MiG-27s over the next 3 years.

The deal for the "new" MiG-29s should cost the country about $ 40 million for each aircraft (including weapon systems, training and other equipment), for a total amount of about $ 840 million.

India intends to upgrade the Fulcrom to the most recent standard, which includes an advanced air-to-ground capability, a wide range of action thanks to the conformal fuel tanks, in-flight refueling probe and a new avionics and weapons package.

India currently has 66 MiG-29 fighters in service with the Indian Air Force and 45 MiG-29K / KUB fighters operated by the Indian Navy aboard the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.

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Written by Matteo Sanzani