India’s MiG-29 Upgrade Could Boost MiG Aircraft Sales

The successful delivery of the first three upgraded MiG 29 aircraft to the Indian Air Force could open doors for JSC Russian Aircraft Corporation to upgrade similar aircraft in other countries. The company has been facing losses as several nations such as Algeria, Malaysia, and Lebanon are retiring their MiG 29 aircraft in favor of other manufacturers citing reliability and durability problems. In addition, the aircraft-maker has been losing out on various competitions around the world including the Indian MMRCA deal. Since then, the MiG Company has been actively trying to sell its planes often at a lower price. Trouble first began in 2008 when Algeria cancelled its order for 34 MiG-29s worth $1.4 billion citing lower quality than expected and returned several planes back to Russia. Similarly, Malaysia decided to cancel further orders of its MiGs. The following year, in 2009, the Russian Air Force had to ground the MiG-29 aircraft several times following crashes. According to reports, a fundamental design flaw was blamed for the crashes. Since then, it has enjoyed meager orders including an upgrade contract from Peru. Earlier in August, the company completed the upgrade of 8 MiG-29 fighters for Peruvian air forces in a contract reported to be worth $10 million. The upgrade of MiG-29 fighters for Peruvian air forces included installation of glass cockpit with advanced avionics, updated radar, refueling system, provision of missile launching capabilities (using R-77 air-to-air missiles and PКR Kh-31A, PRLR Kh-31P and UR Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles). The assessment of technical condition of components and engines has been performed (with optional replacement if necessary), the electric wiring was replaced. General Director of JSC RAC MiG Sergei Korotkov, said in September, "We work closely with the Eastern and Southern European Air Force, maintaining and improving of the earlier delivered MiG-29". The head of the MiG Corporation noted that this work will be continued. "At the same time, we are ready to supply our traditional European partners new MiG-29M/M2 aircraft with significantly higher combat and operational characteristics”. Operators of the MiG 29 include Poland, Germany, Yugoslavia, Iraq, India, Myanmar, Serbia U.S, North Korea and Syria. As of 2010, 1050 MiG aircraft have entered into service with air forces around the world. The newly upgraded Indian MiGs have the capability to fight air targets, strike ground- moving and stationary targets with precision weapons by day and night and in any weather conditions. Modernization also includes advanced avionics, glass cockpit, electronic warfare and AESA radars. General Director of JSC RAC MiG Sergei Korotkov, said, "The aircraft delivery, upgraded in Russia - is the first step in the contract execution for the modernization of a large fleet of the Indian Air Force MiG-29s. We are getting ready for the second phase of work, which provides modernization of fighters in India in close cooperation with the Indian industry". With the latest upgrade, India, a traditional Russian weapons importer, will give the company the edge to rebuild its orderbook. By Bindiya Thomas