Russia Ready to Send More MiG-29K Fighters to India

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Russia is ready to send additional Mikoyan MiG-29K/KUB aircraft to India if New Dehli decides to increase its MiG-29K/KUB fleet.”The Indian Navy plans to establish three naval aircraft squadrons that will fly MiG-29K/KUB. Two of the squadrons will be deployed to two aircraft carriers, while the third one will be used for training,” Sergei Korotkov, who heads Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, told RIA Novosti.

If India’s Ministry of Defense decides to increase its MiG-29K/KUB fleet, the design bureau will be able to complete this order, Korotkov added. India’s first squadron, comprising of 12 MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets, was established in 2013.

In January 2010, New Delhi and Moscow signed a deal worth $1.2 billion for the delivery of additional 29 MiG-29Ks to the Indian navy.

“Our cooperation does not amount to aircraft delivery. Indian companies supply high-end systems for MiG-29K/KUB. Our test pilots helped their counterparts to master new projects,” Korotkov said. India is MiG’s top priority partner worldwide, he added.

 

[kaykay]

Does India need more of it? I doubt.

 

[Skull and Bones]

Does India need more of it? I doubt.

I bet they does. Mig-29K is the most able fighter, with capability second to MKIs.

 

[kaykay]

I bet they does. Mig-29K is the most able fighter, with capability second to MKIs.

Its not about their ability bro but why would navy want more? I mean 45 jets are enough for 2 carriers.

 

[Archie]

well
we do require 75 Aircrafts if we want to operate both carriers at full capacity and have enough spares taking into account maintenances and attrition

whether those additional aircrafts will be the Mig29k or Tejas , that decision rests with the Navy

 

[black-hawk_101]

They should also deploy MiG-29Ks in coastal areas as well.

 

[Skull and Bones]

Its not about their ability bro but why would navy want more? I mean 45 jets are enough for 2 carriers.

45 jets will be enough for 2 carriers, and another 1-2 squadrons for shore based deterrent.

 

[PARIKRAMA]

If INS Vishaal gets EMALs (a big if but high probability as US has indicated some willingness) then i guess ordering more squadrons of Mig29 KUB/UPG for carriers may be ruled out. The US would like it bundled may be with US jets. So expect F35 B/C there (off the shelf with nil TOT). or may be old platforms but naval version.

Shore based assets and this talk of offering is just to show that Russia is willing to support India in case Rafale deal is cancelled and MKI/29UPG are available for a deal approx 10 Bn $ for stopgap arrangement till FGFA comes in IAF.

Expect more russian opinions and experts talk abt such offers. More discussed here
Dassault Rafale, tender | News & Discussions [Thread 2] | Page 32

 

[Echo_419]

I bet they does. Mig-29K is the most able fighter, with capability second to MKIs.

Shouldn't we go for Navalized FGFA

 

[Tshering22]

They should also deploy MiG-29Ks in coastal areas as well.

Coastal patrol is better off with UAVs and helicopters. ICG doesn't want fixed wing fighters for that.

 

[Skull and Bones]

Shouldn't we go for Navalized FGFA

That's a decade away.

 

[Echo_419]

That's a decade away.

Yes but don't we already have enough fighters for both 40k tonne carriers & should be scouting for fighters for INS Vishal

 

[Skull and Bones]

Yes but don't we already have enough fighters for both 40k tonne carriers & should be scouting for fighters for INS Vishal

For Vishal, it will be a mix of Mig-29 along with Rafale/F-18 SH/F-35, later complemented by N-FGFA.

 

[Echo_419]

For Vishal, it will be a mix of Mig-29 along with Rafale/F-18 SH/F-35, later complemented by N-FGFA.

That is if we go for US Emals,right? & better to go straight away for Naval FGFA we still have a decade before INS Vishal commissions

 

[Skull and Bones]

That is if we go for US Emals,right? & better to go straight away for Naval FGFA we still have a decade before INS Vishal commissions

Is any prototype of Naval FPGA flying? Can you be sure it will be inducted within a decade? I believe defense officials doesn't plan ahead with wishful thinking.