Article Posted on : - Dec 11, 2012

The MiG-29UPG. A MiG photo

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia's MiG Corporation has delivered the first three upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The refurbished fighter jets were transported to India by An-124 transport aircraft, the company announced on Monday.

"The modernisation significantly extends the range of tasks performed by MiG-29. The upgraded aircraft, along with increased capability to fight air targets, also acquire the ability to strike moving targets on the ground and stationary targets with precision weapons by day and night and in any weather conditions," the aircraft manufacturer said.

The modernised MiG fighters are featuring advanced avionics, new multi-functional Zhuk-M radars, revamped engines and new weapon control systems, which would enhance their service life by up to 40 years.

The fighters are also being equipped with air-to-air refuelling capability to increase flying time.

The first modernised MiG-29UPG made its maiden flight on February 4, 2011.

India had awarded a contract worth USD 964 million to MiG in 2008 to upgrade the IAF's entire fleet of over 60 MiG-29 fighters.

The contract entailed upgrading the warplane from an interceptor and air superiority aircraft to a fighter-bomber capable of striking mobile and stationary targets on the ground and at sea with high-precision weapons under all weather conditions.

"The aircraft delivery, upgraded in Russia - is the first step in the contract execution for the modernisation of a large fleet of the Indian Air Force MiG-29s. We are getting ready for the second phase of work, which provides modernisation of fighters in India in close cooperation with the Indian industry," General Director of JSC RAC MiG, Sergei Korotkov, said.

While MiG will upgrade six MiG 29s, the remaining aircraft will be modernised by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in India.