India in Talks With Russia for Additional 21 MiG-29s, 12 Su-30s

India is negotiating with Russia over the purchase of additional 21 MiG-29 and 12 Sukhoi Su-30 jets, Indian media have reported.

“A proposal in this regard by the Indian Air force (IAF) is likely to be taken up before a high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry in the next few weeks,” government sources said.

According to the sources, radars and other equipment on the MiG-29 planes will be of latest standards. The 12 Su-30 MKIs are being planned to be inducted for replacing the number of aircraft lost by the IAF in different accidents, they said. 

Ilya Tarasenko, CEO, MiG Corporation said at ongoing MAKS 2019 air show that the company is holding talks with New Delhi on the delivery of 21 MiG-29s.

"The request from India for 21 MiG-29 fighters is at the stage of negotiations," the CEO said on Wednesday.

The value of 21 MiGs and related equipment could be worth nearly $847million (about INR 6,000 crore).

In July reports suggested the country would buy 18 Su-30MKIs. "We have received an additional bid for another 18 Su-30MKIs. The bid is being worked out," Vladimir Drozhzhov, Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, had said.

During Aero India 2019, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman R Madhavan confirmed IAF’s plans to purchase 18 Su-30MKI and 21 MiG-29 fighter jets. New Delhi has also placed orders with Russia for new missiles compatible with MiG-29s and Su-30s.