Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RAC MiG) has completed the upgrade of MiG-29 fighters for Peruvian air forces, RIA Novosti reports. It was stated by the editor-in-chief of Natsionalnaya Oborona (stands for National Defense) magazine, Igor Korotchenko.

It was reported earlier that the contract with a total value of $10 million on upgrade of eight MiG-29 fighters to MiG-29SMT version was signed by Peruvian Ministry of Defense, Aviamir S.A.C. (representative of RAC MiG in Peru) and RAC MiG in August 2008.

“RAC MiG has delivered eight upgraded MiG-29 fighters to the 6th group of Peruvian air forces", - Korotchenko said.

According to the contract, the first four jets should have been delivered to the customer in 16 months after the signing of contract and the rest aircraft – four months later. However, thedeliveriesweredelayed, headded.

According to Korotchenko, the upgrade of MiG-29 fighters for Peruvian air forces included installation of “glass cockpit” with advanced avionics, updated radar, refueling system, provision of missile launching capabilities (using R-77 air-to-air missiles and PКR Kh-31A, PRLR Kh-31P and UR Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles). The assessment of technical condition of components and engines has been performed (with optional replacement if necessary), the electric wiring was replaced.

"As a result of this upgrade the service life of the jets was extended by 4000 hours. At present Peruvian air forces are negotiating with RAC MiG in order to upgrade another 8 MiG-29s”, - Korotchenko added.

Air forces of Peru are operating 17 MiG-29S fighters and two two-seated MiG-29UBs, forming part of the 6th group, located at Pedro Ruis Galio base (Chiclayo). Sixteen MiG-29S and two MiG-29UB aircraft were acquired by Peruvian Ministry of Defense in 1996 from Belarus. Ministry of Defense of Peru signed an agreement with Rosvooruzhenie in 1998 on maintenance of operated aircraft and delivery of three additional MiG-29S jets. Two fighters were lost in crashes in 1997 and 2001.

MiG-29SМТ fighter is the vast modernization of MiG-29. It is the multi-role “4 +”-generation fighter with constantly expanded range of high-precision weapons. The first serial MiG-29SМТ was manufactured in 2004.