Russia will complete MiG-29 upgradation by 2013

Moscow, Sep 20 (PTI) Russia will complete the
upgradation of Indian Air Force's 60 MiG-29 fighters by 2013
which will extend their service life by another 15 years.

"The implementation of the contract signed between
India and Russia started last year, and it will be fulfilled
in 2013," a defence source was quoted as saying by RIA
Novosti.

Under the contract signed last year, Russia's RAC MiG
aircraft corporation will upgrade over 60 MiG-29 fighters, in
service with the Indian Air Force (IAF)since the 1980s and
service life of the aircraft will be extended from 25 to 40
years.

The contract also stipulates the construction of MiG
consignment depots and service centres in India to resolve the
problem of timely supply of spares and after sale services, as
well as flight simulators for pilot training.

The upgrade MiG-29s will be fitted with advanced
avionics, new multi-functional Zhuk-ME radars, a new weapon
control system, as well as modernised RD-33 engines.

According to defence official quoted by the agency,
first four Indian MiG-29 fighters are being modernised and
flight-tested in Russia and the remaining aircraft will be
overhauled in India with the Russian technical assistance. PTI
VS
SKT