Aircraft
India Requests Additional MiG-29 Fighters
India is seeking to acquire first-generation MiG-29s as a means of replenishing its fighter fleet at low cost.
India operates three squadrons of MiG-29s but could add a fourth if the latest batch is delivered. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
India operates three squadrons of MiG-29s but could add a fourth if the latest batch is delivered. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

New Delhi has sent Moscow a request for an “urgent shipment” of 21 MiG-29 “Fulcrum” fighters. The story surfaced in mid-February in the Indian media and was subsequently confirmed by Russian sources. Reportedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet granted approval to the MoD’s request to spend about $847 million on the purchase, or about $40 million per aircraft. This is three times below what Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) charges for a freshly assembled Sukhoi Su-30MKI and five times below the reported cost for a Rafale.


Loading…