India plans to buy 29 MiG-29K fighters
$1.2 billion deal with Russia may be signed during Putin’s visit
The lethal Russian-made MiG-29K maritime fighter planes, which will be based on Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, were on Friday formally inducted by Defence Minister A K Antony, further strengthening the Indian Navy's air arm.
Minutes after navy’s first three black panthers pierced the blue sky here, Defence Minister A K Antony confirmed that India will buy a second batch of 29 MiG-29K fighters, which will eventually fly from the decks of two aircraft carriers guarding the east and the west coast.
The $1.2 billion deal is expected to be signed during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin next month.
“We have already contracted 16 MiG-29K out of which four have been delivered and 12 are awaited. In the second phase we hope to buy another 29 MiG-29K fighters for the navy,” Antony said, after inducting the fighters.
The MiG-29K, nicknamed Black Panthers, will be a part of 303 squadron.
The fourth generation naval fighters are equipped with anti-aircraft beyond visual range missile, guided anti-ship missiles, smart guided bombs and rockets that are far better and more lethal than the old MiG-29 armament.
The induction of MiG-29K would mark navy’s advancement from Sea Hawk and Sea Harrier carrier-borne aircraft in naval fighter operations. Incidentally, the navy still has 11 ageing Sea Harriers––8 fighters and 3 trainers–-which will be replaced by the new MiG-29K variant.
Till now, 10 pilots have been trained in Russia in flying MiG-29K fighters. And closer to the induction of ‘Admiral Gorshkov’ around 2013-14, the ministry intends to send them to Russia for another round of shore-based and on-board training.
When asked about the final negotiation price and delivery date of the Russian carrier, renamed the ‘INS Vikramaditya’, Antony refused to divulge the offer price. But there are reports that India has offered an additional $2.34 billion to the original contracted price of $974 million.
India is also set to induct a Russian Akula-class submarine for training sailors in operations of nuclear-powered submarine for two years before the ‘INS Arihant’ is inducted into the services.
“Today’s induction and other acquisitions in the pipeline reflect our commitment to modernise and strengthen our armed forces,” Antony said in the presence of a large Russian delegation including a visiting minister.
Asked about India’s long-term strategic relationship with Russia, the minister said despite some delays and setbacks, Moscow remains a trusted friend even though New Delhi is expanding its friendship with others.
