Indian specialists have successfully mastered technologies used to upgrade MiG-29 fighters to MiG-29UPG version, RAC MiG CEO Sergey Korotkov said. In particular, the upgraded jets are fitted with Zhuk-type radar developed by KRET (Radioelectronic Technologies Concern), the enterprise’s press-service reports.

According to Sergey Korotkov, the first MiG-29UPG fighter upgraded by Indian specialists performed its maiden flight in February 2015. He also said that the first batch of MiG-29 fighters, which are being upgraded in India, includes four jets. We remind you that the contract for upgrade of 62 MiG-29 fighters operated by Indian air forces was signed in March 2008.

Russia delivers upgrade kits to India and specialists of RAC MiG provide all the necessary support to Indian partners, Sergey Korotkov noted.

According to experts, upgrade of MiG-29 fighters to MiG-29UPG version offered by Indian air forces is the optimal one in terms of efficiency/cost criteria. Among major objectives – increasing the combat readiness of MiG-29UPG jets to a level close to carrier-based MiG-29K fighters, the press-service added.

This upgrade significantly expands the range of objectives carried out by MiG-29 fighters. Today the jets are used for intercepting air targets and performing air superiority missions. The upgraded fighters will not only have expanded capabilities in terms of destroying air targets, they will also be able to destroy ground and surface targets under any lighting and weather conditions.

«These capabilities are granted by fitting the MiG-29UPG jets with Zhuk-ME radar developed by KRET. The new radar features slot antenna array developed and manufactured by Phasotron-NIIR; it is the key component of the MiG-29UPG’s weapon control system,» the press-service noted.