Russian delegation negotiates about delivery of 29 MiG-29K to India

19.01.2010
Russian delegation and Indian military officials negotiate on delivery contract of 29 MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighters in New Delhi, informs RIA Novosti referring to the source in Indian Ministry of Defense.

According to the source, first 6 aircrafts were delivered to India; three of them have been assembled, and two have passed air trials. Delivery is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. Until commission, the aircrafts which are supposed to be based on board Indian aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (former Soviet and Russian Admiral Gorshkov) will be located at Goa air base. Vikramaditya is expected to arrive at India in 2013.

Deck-based fighters MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB will be also based on board two Indian-made carriers. India plans to launch the first one in 2015.

Along with 29 fighters of the new parcel, India will receive 12 aircrafts MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB under delivery contract of aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov which was signed in 2004. Three fighters of this parcel have been already brought to India, specifies Lenta.Ru.

Deck-based fighter MiG-29K is used for air defense of ship formations, destruction of enemy's means of aerial attack, screening landing operations, and air reconnaissance. The first flight was conducted on June 23, 1988; first deck-landing was performed on heavy aircraft carrying cruiser Tbilisi on Nov 1, 1989. Full-scale production has not been pushed as Su-27K was put into full production instead and shipbuilding program of aircraft carriers was shut down. Wing span is 11.99 meters; length is 17.37 meters; height is 5.18 meters; standard takeoff weight is 17,770 tonnes; max speed is 2,300 kph; maximum operational range without refueling is 3,000 km; operational ceiling is 17,000 meters; aircrew is 1. Armament: 30-mm gun GSh-301, 9 stations for air-to-air, antiship and antiradar missiles, air bombs and mines.

MiG-29KUB is a two-seat operational trainer; it is a modification of MiG-29K fighter.

Source: RusNavy.com, photo: deck-based fighter MiG-29K (defenseindustrydaily.com)