helperononline Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 (edited) India buying more Mig-29s; Is it a good move? By Vikas Sv Published:August 12 2019, 8:22 [IST] New Delhi, Aug 12: A lot has been said about IAF staring at a depleting fleet size problem as many aircrafts are set to retire in next few years. As per the information in the public domain, the IAF should ideally have a strength of 42 combat squadrons to be fully prepared for a two-front war. With barely 32 squadrons of fighter aircraft currently in inventory, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is staring at a massive problem. Rafale deal has been struck and the first French fighter would be delivered in September and in the next few years, 35 more would come. But, that is not enough. The IAF will be phasing out nine squadrons of the MiG-21 and 2 MiG-27 over the next 5 years. Tejas was supposed to have played a key role in IAF's scheme things. It was thought that India's requirement for single engine fighters could be met with LCA Tejas. But due to multiple problems encountered during Tejas's development and HAL's failure to meet the delivery deadlines, IAF was forced to look at other foreign aircrafts. So to make up the failing number of fighters, from where will the remaining come from. Undoubtedly, IAF will have to start procurement process, whether it is Eurofighter Typhoon or the F-22, that is for the time tell. Here is what we know so far. IAF will get the MiG-29 fighters upgraded to the latest standards by Russia, and get them at virtually throwaway prices, reportedly Rs 200 crore per piece. They will augment the 62 MiG-29 fighters that are in the IAF's fleet which are also being upgraded to give them an all-weather multi-role capability. In fact, there are reportedly 15 more such aircraft. IAF is in advance talks with Russia for an urgent procurement of MiG 29 fighters that can be delivered at a relatively short notice. The plan to acquire 21 additional aircraft to make a new squadron of MiG 29 jets that were first purchased in the 1980s has been discussed in detail last month and is expected to cost the Indian exchequer less than Rs 6,000 crore. The MiG 29s, if procured, will cost significantly lesser than the Rafale fighter jets MiG has been the backbone of the IAF for decades now. Many expert have raised concerns that these Russian made planes are old and not fit for current era of fifth generation fighters. MiGs are also referred to as 'flying relics'. Given this, is it a good move to buy more of them. Is it a good move to buy more MiGs? India is going for MiG-29s which have been significantly upgraded. In fact when MiG-29 downed a Pakistani F-16 in March during a dogfight, many marvelled at it. But, Russia promptly issued a statement saying that new MiGs are comparable to modern F series of fighters made by the us. This is what we know of new MiG 29s: According to the defence ministry, the upgraded aircraft are now being used for routine operations in frontline squadrons and are equipped with the "state-of-the-art avionics, an array of smart air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons and in-flight refuelling The upgrade with new weapons and avionics is aimed at turning the twin-engine MiG-29 from an air defence fighter into a far more lethal all-weather multi-role fighter into a far more lethal all-weather multi-role fighter. In 2018, the upgraded MiG-29 showcased its combat capabilities at Admapur Air Force Station. The strategically important Adampur Air Force Station, 100 km from Pakistan and 250 km from the border with China, is now home to the upgraded MiG-29s. The Air Force has three squadrons of MiG-29s, two of them at Adampur Air Force Station. One squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft. The MiG-29's good operational record prompted India to sign a deal with Russia between 2005-2006 to upgrade all 62 jets for over $900 million. The aircraft is effectively 33 years old and still remain an effective weapons platform to this day. Indian review of the MIG-29 does show that the jet structures is still sound and worthwhile the upgrades it needs to performance for another 10-15 years, said a report published in defenceupdates.in. The fighter aircraft, which played a crucial role in India's victory in the 1999 Kargil war, now is capable of refueling mid-air, lauch multi-dimensional attacks and is now compatible with the latest missile, said Flight Lieutenant Karan Kohli told PTI. MiG-29 may continue to remain good for another 10-15 years. Edited August 12, 2019 by helperononline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordPrabhzy Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 Although not ideal it could plug the gap from the decommissioned Mig 21s and Mig 27s. We desperately need HAL to provide enough Tejas fighters to make up atleast 5-7 squadrons of these PLUS the new Rafale fighters will definitely bolster our strength... now if HAL will be able to provide ANY Tejas jets in the next 5 years is the question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G_B_ Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 Its just a stop gap. Iaf also has decided for more su30mkis. Honestly there are around 200 aircraft that need replacing so its a wise move Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vilander Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 The article is stupid with many factual inaccuracies. 62 migs 15 more 21 more..india will get eurofighter or f22 lol..its some random fanboy. India will only get rafale or mmrca thats f18 or 21 typhoon gripen su35 and other contenders. India will get tejas mk1a and mwf. Amca is in works su57 or pakfa is gone. Mig29s are attrition replacement. India has 66 will add 21. One more squad of su30mki are to be ordered. Us wont give f22 to anyone and f35 will not be given to India as we orderd s400. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vilander Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 18 hours ago, LordPrabhzy said: . now if HAL will be able to provide ANY Tejas jets in the next 5 years is the question. They need monies to be released by iaf and firm orders for mk1a. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeyboardWarrior Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 Its a very very good news for indians ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G_B_ Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 I think more than aircraft what became clear was that Indian fighters were outranged in engaging Pakistan F16s. AARAAM armament in particular. Focus needs to be on BVR While they are learning towards extended range Deby missiles to overcome that problem, I think India needs to invest in Astra missle as an air to air missile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jf1gp_1 Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 isn't Mig 29 newer than f16 ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts