The Hindu Business Line : Govt signs $1-b contract for MiG upgrade

New Delhi, March 7 The Ministry of Defence on Friday signed a contract with Russian manufacturer RAC MiG for upgrading the MiG-29 fleet of the Indian Air Force. The value of the contract is estimated at more than $1 billion.

The overhaul and retrofitting of the aircraft will not only extend their service life to 3,500 flight hours and 40 years, but also enhance the mission range of these fighter aircraft. At present, the aircraft are primarily intended for intercepting aerial targets and gaining air superiority. Besides the broadened aerial potential, the upgraded aircraft will acquire the ability to strike ground mobile and stationary targets with high-precision weapons under all weather conditions.

An official statement issued added that the retrofitted MiG-29s’ avionics suite will include a number of up-to-date systems developed and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Bharat Dynamics Ltd and some foreign companies.

The first six fighters are to be upgraded and flight-tested in Russia. The overhaul and modification of the balance aircraft will be carried out in India at IAF aircraft repair facilities utilising the equipment kits supplied by the Russian company.

The contract includes an offset clause covering about 30 per cent of the contract value. As part of the offset, RAC ‘MiG’ will set-up consignment depots and service centres for the fighters, service centres specialising in maintenance and repair of the Zhuk family radars and simulators centres equipped with the top-notch training aids.