India seeks MiG-29s from Russia

The Indian Air Force is in talks with Russia for the procurement of 21 upgraded MiG-29 fighter aircraft. Super-manoeuvrability is achieved by three-dimensional thrust-vectoring engine nozzles that allow the fighter to assume practically any angle for an attack

Thrust-vectoring: Each engine nozzle has three hydraulic actuators mounted at 120° intervals around engine nacelles to deflect thrust, giving aircraft 360 degree manoeuvrability

Tailplane: Low-set horizontal stabilizers move independently

RD-33MK turbofan engines: Built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Provide maximum speed of Mach 2.3 (2,450km/h) at up to 17,000m altitude

Nozzles can move 15° in any direction

Glass cockpit: Digital screens, fly-by-wire controls, new weapons system

Length: 17.32 m 
Wingspan: 11.36 m


Armaments: Two R-77 air-to-air medium-range missiles, six short range missiles; four pods of unguided rockets, 3,000kg of bombs; and 30mm built-in cannon

Vympel R-77: Multi-shaped charge warhead fitted with laser proximity target sensor

Radar upgrade: N-109 radar replaced by Phazotron Zhuk-M radar featuring greater air and sea target detection range

BrahMos anti-ship missile: Mach 3 (2,500-3,000 km/h) 300kg semi-armour piercing warhead
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Picture: Graphic News © GRAPHIC NEWS
Sources: MiG Corp., Jane’s Defence Weekly, Flight Global, Globalsecurity.org