MiG-29s to be refurbished for $888 million

Repaired MiGs will remain in service for another 10-15 years

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 9, 2006

Russian company RSK MiG will refurbish India's fighter aircraft fleet of MiG-29s at a cost of $888 million. RSK MiG is the original manufacturer of the Russian warplane in the MiG series.

The fleet of 67 MiG-29 will remain with the Indian Air Force for the next 10-15 years. The work is expected to be completed within 2 years. RSK MiG will source and fit the military equipment and avionics required by the Indian Air Force for the planes.

The MiG refurbishment program includes fitting the MiG-29s with upgraded weapons and fresh avionics software. The current N-019 radar in use on MiG-29s will be replaced by a Phazatron Zhuk-M radar. To pep up their endurance, the old MiG-29s will also be upgraded for mid-air re-fuelling.

Indian Air Force is currently refurbishing MiG-21s and MiG-27s in its fleet. IAF has thepeculiar problem of having a fleet which has numerous types of aircraft, making it a logistical nightmare to repair and refurbish the fighter planes.