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This article was first published 13 years ago

Russia tests upgraded MiG-29 fighter for IAF

Last updated on: February 5, 2011 01:17 IST


Russia's RAC MiG Corporation has carried out the first test flight of an upgraded MiG-29 fighter for the Indian Air Force's $900 million upgrade programme for the fourth generation combat jets.

The maiden test flight of the MiG-29UPG took place at Zhukovski airfield of M M Gromov Flight Research Institute.

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Russia tests upgraded MiG-29 fighter for IAF


RAC "MiG" has successfully performed upgrade of MiG-29 fighter to MiG-29UPG version for the Indian Air Force. The duration of the flight was about 1 hour and has passed without remarks," RAC MiG said in a release e-mailed to PTI.

The flight was performed by Chief of Flight Service, senior test pilot of RAC "MiG", the Hero of Russia Michael Belyaev.

Russia tests upgraded MiG-29 fighter for IAF


The IAF has awarded the $900 million contract to upgrade all of its 69 operational MiG-29s.

The first six aircraft are being upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 will be refitted by HAL in India.

These upgrades include a new avionics kit, with its older radar being replaced by a Fazatron Zhuk-M radar.

Russia tests upgraded MiG-29 fighter for IAF


The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance BVR (beyond-visual-range) combat ability and for mid-air refuelling to increase flying time.

Under the project Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) acquired a license in 2007 for the assembly of 120 RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines for the upgraded jets.