While originally oriented towards combat against any enemy aircraft, many MiG-29s have been furnished asmultirole fighters capable of performing a number of different operations, and are commonly outfitted to use a range ofair-to-surface armaments andprecision munitions. The MiG-29 has been manufactured in several major variants, including the multiroleMikoyan MiG-29M and the navalisedMikoyan MiG-29K; the most advanced member of the family to date is theMikoyan MiG-35. Later models frequently feature improved engines,glass cockpits withHOTAS-compatible flight controls, modern radar andinfrared search and track (IRST) sensors, and considerably increased fuel capacity; some aircraft have also been equipped foraerial refueling.
Following the dissolution of theSoviet Union, the militaries of multipleex-Soviet republics have continued to operate the MiG-29, the largest of them being theRussian Aerospace Forces. The Russian Aerospace Forces wanted to upgrade its existing fleet to the modernised MiG-29SMT configuration, but financial difficulties have limited deliveries. The MiG-29 has also been a popular export aircraft; more than 30 nations either operate or have operated the aircraft. As of 2024 Flight Global estimates that 809 MiG-29s, of all types, are in service with air forces, making it the 5th most common active fighter.[3]
In the mid-1960s, theUnited States Air Force (USAF) encountered difficulties over the skies of Vietnam. Supersonic fighter bombers that had been optimized for low altitude bombing, like theF-105 Thunderchief, were found to be vulnerable to olderMiG-17s and more advanced MiGs which were much more maneuverable.[4] In order to regain the limited air superiority enjoyed over Vietnam, the US refocused on air combat using theF-4 Phantom multirole fighter, while the Soviet Union developed theMiG-23 in response. Towards the end of the 1960s, the USAF started the "F-X" program to produce a fighter dedicated to air superiority, which led to theMcDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle being ordered for production in late 1969.[5]
At the height of theCold War, a Soviet response was necessary to avoid the possibility of the Americans gaining a serious technological advantage over the Soviets, thus the development of a new air superiority fighter became a priority.[2] In 1969, the Soviet General Staff issued a requirement for aPerspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel (PFI, roughly "Advanced Frontline Fighter").[6] Specifications were extremely ambitious, calling for long range, good short-field performance (including the ability to use austere runways), excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The Russian aerodynamics instituteTsAGI worked in collaboration with theSukhoi design bureau on the aircraft's aerodynamics.[6]
By 1971, however, Soviet studies determined the need for different types of fighters. The PFI program was supplemented with thePerspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel (LPFI, or "Advanced Lightweight Tactical Fighter") program; the Soviet fighter force was planned to be approximately 33% PFI and 67% LPFI.[7] PFI and LPFI paralleled the USAF's decision that created the "Lightweight Fighter" program and theGeneral Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon andNorthrop YF-17.[8] The PFI fighter was assigned to Sukhoi, resulting in theSukhoi Su-27, while the lightweight fighter went to Mikoyan. Detailed design work on the resultant MikoyanProduct 9, designatedMiG-29A, began in 1974, with the first flight taking place on 6 October 1977. The pre-productionaircraft was first spotted by United Statesreconnaissance satellites in November of that year; it was dubbedRam-L because it was observed at the Zhukovsky flight test center near the town ofRamenskoye.[9][10]
The workload split between TPFI and LPFI became more apparent as the MiG-29 filtered into frontline service with theSoviet Air Forces (Russian:Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily [VVS]) in the mid-1980s. While the heavy, long range Su-27 was tasked with the more exotic and dangerous role of deep air-to-air sweeps of NATO high-value assets, the smaller MiG-29 directly replaced theMiG-23 in the frontal aviation role.
In the West, the new fighter was given theNATO reporting name "Fulcrum-A" because the pre-production MiG-29A, which should have logically received this designation, remained unknown in the West at that time. The Soviet Union did not assign official names to most of its aircraft, although nicknames were common. Unusually, some Soviet pilots found the MiG-29's NATO reporting name, "Fulcrum", to be a flattering description of the aircraft's intended purpose, and it is sometimes unofficially used in Russian service.[11]
The MiG-29 was widely exported in downgraded versions, known asMiG-29 9-12A forWarsaw Pact andMiG-29 9-12B for non-Warsaw Pact nations,[12] with less capableavionics and no capability for deliveringnuclear weapons.
In the 1980s,Mikoyan developed the improved MiG-29S to use longer rangeR-27E air-to-air missiles. It added a dorsal 'hump' to the upperfuselage to house a jamming system and some additional fuel capacity. The weapons load was increased to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) with airframe strengthening. These features were included in new-built fighters and upgrades to older MiG-29s.[13][14]
There have been several upgrade programmes conducted for the MiG-29. Common upgrades include the adoption of standard-compatible avionics, service life extensions to 4,000 flight hours, safety enhancements, greater combat capabilities and reliability.[citation needed]
On 11 December 2013, Russian deputy prime ministerDmitry Rogozin revealed that Russia was planning to build a new fighter to replace the MiG-29. TheSukhoi Su-27 and its derivatives were to be replaced by theSukhoi Su-57, but a different design was needed to replace the lighter MiGs. A previous attempt to develop a MiG-29 replacement, theMiG 1.44 demonstrator, failed in the 1990s.[citation needed] The concept came up again in 2001 with interest from India, but they later opted for a variant of the Su-57. Air Force commanders have hinted at the possibility of a single-engine airframe that uses the Su-57's engine, radar, and weapons primarily for Russian service.[17] This has since been revealed to be theSukhoi Su-75 Checkmate.[citation needed]
Sharing its origins in the original PFI requirements issued byTsAGI, the MiG-29 has broad aerodynamic similarities to theSukhoi Su-27, but with some notable differences. The MiG-29 has a mid-mountedswept wing with blendedleading-edge root extensions (LERXs) swept at around 40°; there are swept tailplanes and two vertical fins, mounted on booms outboard of the engines. Automaticslats are mounted on theleading edges of the wings; they are four-segment on early models and five-segment on some later variants. On thetrailing edge, there are maneuvering flaps and wingtipailerons.[18]
The MiG-29 has hydraulic controls and a SAU-451 three-axis autopilot but, unlike the Su-27, no fly-by-wire control system. Nonetheless, it is very agile, with excellent instantaneous and sustained turn performance,high-alpha capability, and a general resistance to spins. The airframe consists primarily of aluminum with some composite materials,[19] and is stressed for up to 9 g (88 m/s²) maneuvers. The controls have "soft" limiters to prevent the pilot from exceeding g and alpha limits, but the limiters can be disabled manually.[18]
The MiG-29 has two widely spacedKlimov RD-33turbofan engines, each rated at 50 kilonewtons (11,200 lbf) dry and 81.3 kilonewtons (18,300 lbf) inafterburner. The space between the engines generateslift, thereby reducing effectivewing loading, hence improving maneuverability. The engines are fed throughintake ramps fitted under theleading-edge extensions (LERXs), which have variable ramps to allow high-Mach speeds. Due to their relatively short combustor, the engines produce noticeably heavier smoke than their contemporaries. As an adaptation to rough-field operations, the main air inlet can be closed completely and the auxiliary air inlet on the upper fuselage can be used for takeoff, landing and low-altitude flying, preventingingestion of ground debris. Thereby the engines receive air through louvers on the LERXs which open automatically when intakes are closed. However the latest variant of the family, theMiG-35, eliminated these dorsal louvers, and adopted the mesh screens design in the main intakes, similar to those fitted to the Su-27.[20]
The MiG-29 has a ferry range of 1,500 km (930 mi) without external fuel tanks, and 2,100 km (1,300 mi) with external tanks.[21] The internal fuel capacity of the original MiG-29 (Fulcrum-A) is 4,300 L (950 imp gal; 1,100 US gal) distributed between six internalfuel tanks, four in the fuselage and one in each wing.[22] The internal fuel capacity of the MiG-29 (Fulcrum-C) is 4,540 L (1,000 imp gal; 1,200 US gal) due to a larger #1 fuselage tank.[22] For longer flights, this can be supplemented by a 1,500 L (330 imp gal; 400 US gal) centrelinedrop tank on the Fulcrum-A and two 1,150 L (250 imp gal; 300 US gal) underwing drop tanks on later production batches. In addition, newer models have been fitted with port-sideinflight refueling probes, allowing much longer flight times by using aprobe-and-drogue system.[23]
The cockpit has conventional dials, with ahead-up display (HUD) and a Shchel-3UMhelmet mounted display, but noHOTAS ("hands-on-throttle-and-stick") capability. Emphasis seems to have been placed on making the cockpit similar to the earlier MiG-23 and other Soviet aircraft for ease of conversion, rather than onergonomics. Nonetheless, the MiG-29 does have substantially better visibility than most previous Soviet jet fighters, thanks to a high-mountedbubble canopy. Upgraded models introduce "glass cockpits" with modernliquid-crystal (LCD)multi-function displays (MFDs) and true HOTAS.[citation needed]
The N019 radar was not a new design, but rather a development of the Sapfir-23ML architecture used on the MiG-23ML. During the initial design specification period in the mid-1970s, Phazotron NIIR was tasked with producing a modern radar for the MiG-29. To speed development, Phazotron based its new design on work undertaken by NPO Istok on the experimental "Soyuz" radar program. Accordingly, the N019 was originally intended to have a flatplanar array antenna and fulldigital signal processing, for a detection and tracking range of at least 100 km (62 mi) against a fighter-sized target. Prototype testing revealed this could not be attained in the required timeframe and still fit within the MiG-29's nose. Rather than design a new radar, Phazotron reverted to a version of the Sapfir-23ML's twisted-polarizationcassegrain antenna and traditional analog signal processors, coupled with a new NII Argon-designed Ts100 digital computer to save time and cost. This produced a working radar system, but inherited the weak points of the earlier design, plaguing the MiG-29's ability to detect and track airborne targets at ranges available with theR-27 andR-77 missiles.
MiG-29UB on display, showing gunport
The N019 was further compromised by Phazotron designerAdolf Tolkachev's betrayal of the radar to theCIA, for which he was executed in 1986. In response to all of these problems, the Soviets hastily developed a modified N019MTopaz radar for the upgradedMiG-29S aircraft. However,VVS was reportedly still not satisfied with the performance of the system and demanded another upgrade. The latest upgraded aircraft, MiG-29M, offered the N010Zhuk-M, which has a planar array antenna rather than a dish, improving range, and a much superior processing ability, with multiple-target engagement capability and compatibility with the Vympel R-77 (or RVV-AE).[25]
Armament for the MiG-29 includes a singleGSh-30-1 30 mm (1.18 in) cannon in the port wing root. This originally had a 150-round magazine, which was reduced to 100 rounds in later variants, which only allows a few seconds of firing before running out of ammo. Original production MiG-29 aircraft cannot fire the cannon when carrying a centerline fuel tank as it blocks the shell ejection port. This was corrected in the MiG-29S and later versions.
Threepylons are provided under each wing (four in some variants), for a total of six (or eight). The inboard pylons can carry either a 1,150 L (250 imp gal; 300 US gal) fuel tank, oneVympelR-27 (AA-10 "Alamo") medium-range air-to-air missile, or unguided bombs or rockets. Some Soviet aircraft could carry a single nuclear bomb on the port inboard station. The outer pylons usually carryR-73 (AA-11 "Archer") dogfight air to air missiles, although some users still retain the olderR-60 (AA-8 "Aphid"). A single 1,500 L (330 imp gal; 400 US gal) tank can be fitted to the centerline, between the engines.[citation needed]
The US has suppliedAGM-88 HARM missiles to Ukraine. It appears that they are fired from MiG-29s. It was only disclosed after Russian forces showed footage of a tail fin from one of these missiles.[26] U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for PolicyColin Kahl has said this: "I would just point to two things. One, you know, a lot was made about the MiG-29 issue several months ago, not very much has been noticed about the sheer amount of spare parts and other things that we've done to help them actually put more of their own MiG-29s in the air and keep those that are in the air flying for a longer period of time. And then also, in recent PDA [Presidential Drawdown Authority] packages we've included a number of anti-radiation missiles that can be fired off of Ukrainian aircraft. They can have effects on Russian radars and other things."[27] Soviet era aircraft don't have the computer architecture to accept NATO standard weapons. The interface would be difficult; however with a "crude modification", such as an e-tablet, it would be possible.[28]
While the MiG-29's true capabilities could only be estimated from the time it first appeared In 1977 until the mid-1980s, a combination of persistent intelligence and increasing access afforded by the Soviet foreign sales effort allowed a true appreciation of its capabilities. Early MiG-29s were very agile aircraft, capable of rivaling the performance of contemporaryF-18 andF-16 aircraft. However, their relatively low fuel capacity relegated them to short-range air defense missions. Lacking HOTAS and an inter-aircraft data link, and requiring a very intensive "heads-down" approach to operating cockpit controls, the early MiG-29 denied pilots the kind ofsituational awareness routinely enjoyed by pilots operating comparable US aircraft. Analysts and Western pilots who flew examples of the MiG-29 thought this likely prevented even very good pilots from harnessing the plane's full combat capability. Later MiG-29s were upgraded to improve their capabilities.[29] The Soviet Union exported MiG-29s to several countries. Because 4th-generation fighter aircraft require the pilots to have extensive training, air-defense infrastructure, and constant maintenance and upgrades, MiG-29s have had mixed operational history with different air forces.[30]
The MiG-29 was first publicly seen in the West when the Soviet Union displayed the aircraft inFinland on 2 July 1986. Two MiG-29s were also displayed at theFarnborough Airshow in Britain in September 1988. The following year, the aircraft conducted flying displays at the 1989Paris Air Show where it was involved in a non-fatal crash during the first weekend of the show.[31] The Paris Air Show display was only the second display of Soviet fighters at an international air show since the 1930s. Western observers were impressed by its apparent capability and exceptional agility. Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, most of the MiG-29s entered service with the newly formedRussian Air Force.
In July 1993, two MiG-29s of the Russian Air Force collided in mid-air and crashed away from the public at theRoyal International Air Tattoo. No one on the ground sustained any serious injuries, and the two pilotsejected and landed safely.[32]
MiG-29SMT at the 2011 MAKS
The Russian Air Force grounded all its MiG-29s following a crash inSiberia on 17 October 2008.[citation needed] Following a second crash with a MiG-29 in east Siberia in December 2008,[33] Russian officials admitted that most MiG-29 fighters in the Russian Air Force were incapable of performing combat duties due to poor maintenance. The age of the aircraft was also an important factor as about 70% of the MiGs were considered to be too old to take to the skies.[citation needed] The Russian MiG-29s have not received updates since the collapse of the Soviet Union. On 4 February 2009, the Russian Air Force resumed flights with the MiG-29.[citation needed] However, in March 2009, 91 MiG-29s of the Russian Air Force required repair after inspections due to corrosion; approximately 100 MiGs were cleared to continue flying at the time.[34][35] The Russian Aerospace Forces started an update of its early MiG-29s to the more current MiG-29SMT standard,[21] but financial difficulties prevented delivery of more than three MiG-29 SMT upgrade to the Russian Aerospace Forces.[citation needed] Instead, the 35 MiG-29SMT/UBTs rejected by Algeria were bought by the Russian Aerospace Forces.[36][verification needed] Russia placed an order for 16 new-build MiG-29SMTs on 15 April 2014, with delivery expected by 2017.[37]
On 4 June 2015, a MiG-29 crashed during training inAstrakhan.[38] A month later, another MiG-29 crashed near the village of Kushchevskaya in the Krasnodar region with the pilot safely ejecting.[39] A series of accidents in the Russian Aerospace Forces that happened in 2015 were caused mostly by overall increase of flights and training.[40]
On 20 April 2008, Georgian officials claimed a Russian MiG-29shot down a GeorgianHermes 450unmanned aerial vehicle and provided video footage from the ill-fated drone showing an apparent MiG-29 launching an air-to-air missile at it. Russia denies that the aircraft was theirs and says they did not have any pilots in the air that day.Abkhazia's administration claimed its own forces shot down the drone with anL-39 aircraft "because it was violating Abkhaz airspace and breaching ceasefire agreements."[41] UN investigation concluded that the video was authentic and that the drone was shot down by a Russian MiG-29 or Su-27 using anR-73 heat seeking missile.[42]
On 16 July 2014, a Ukrainian Su-25 was shot down, with Ukrainian officials stating that a Russian MiG-29 shot it down using aR-27T missile.[43][44] Russia denied these allegations.[45]
During the first half of September 2017, the Russian Aerospace Forces deployed some MiG-29SMT multirole combat aircraft to Khmeimim Airbase, near Latakia, in western Syria, becoming the first time the modernized version of the baseline Fulcrum jet was deployed to take part in the Syrian Air War.[46] The MiG-29SMT were involved in bombing missions and secondary strategic bombers escort duties.[47]
Two Russian MiG-29s operated byWagner Group crashed nearSirte,Libya on 28 June 2020 and on 7 September 2020.[48]
In April 2014, during theRussian invasion of Crimea, 45 Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29s and 4 L-39 combat trainers were reportedly captured by Russian forces atBelbek air base. Most of the planes appeared to be in inoperable condition. In May, Russian troops dismantled them and shipped them back to Ukraine. On 4 August 2014, the Ukrainian government stated that a number of them had been put back into service to fight in the war in the east of the country.[49]
During the initial days of thewar in Donbas in April 2014, the Ukrainian Air Force deployed some jet fighters over the Donetsk region to perform combat air patrols and show of force flights. Probably due to the limited number of jet fighters available, a MiG-29 belonging to theUkrainian Falcons display team was spotted armed with a full air-to-air load and performing a low altitude fly by.[50]
In the evening of 7 August 2014, a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29MU1, bort number 02 Blue, was shot down by an antiaircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels near the town of Yenakievo, and exploded in midair. The pilot ejected safely.[51][52][53]
On 17 August 2014, another Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29, bort number 53 White, tasked with air to ground duties against separatists' positions[54] was shot down by pro-Russian rebels in the Luhansk region. The Ukrainian government confirmed the downing. The pilot ejected safely and was recovered by friendly forces.[55][56]
As of 2018, theLviv State Aircraft Repair Plant began domestically upgrading the MiG-29 to have multirole capability, known as the MiG-29MU2. Development was expected to be completed by 2019 and enter production in 2020.[57] The first upgraded MiG-29 was delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force in July 2020.[58] In August 2020, Ukraine began negotiations withElbit Systems to help modernize the MiG-29 fleet.[citation needed]
On 29 May 2020, Ukrainian MiG-29s took part in the Bomber Task Force in Europe with American B-1B bombers for the first time in the Black Sea region.[59] In September 2020, B-52 bombers from the5th Bomb Wing conducted vital integration training with Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s inside Ukraine's airspace.[60][61]
In August 2022, a senior U.S. defense official disclosed that the Ukrainians have integrated theAGM-88 HARM missile onto their "MiG aircraft"[69] with video evidence of AGM-88 missiles fired by upgraded Ukrainian MiG-29s released by the Ukrainian Air Force few days later.[70] For a weapon that relies on digital display to fire, the question of how it has been integrated into the MiG-29's analogue displays remains unanswered. The footage shows a commercial GPS having been installed along with a tablet of some kind.[71]
On 13 October 2022, a Ukrainian MiG-29 crashed during a combat mission. Its pilot is claimed to have destroyed aShahed-136 drone with his cannon, and it is believed the debris from the drone collided with the aircraft and forced the pilot to eject. Ukrainian sources claim that the pilot shot down five drones and two cruise missiles shortly before the crash. The downed MiG-29 was wearing a livery similar to that of the Ukrainian Falcons display team. According to the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation: "the jet collided with debris from a destroyed drone, which caused massive damage to it to the point where it crashed near a village in northeast Vinnytsia. The pilot managed to eject and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital."[72][73]
On 20 September 2023, aUkrainian Air Force MiG-29 was struck by aZALA Lancet drone at the Dolgintsevo air base nearKryvyi Rih. A second drone was used as a spotter, recording the first Lancet's impact.[74]
As of 04 March 2025, 29 Mig 29 has been destroyed and 3 damaged by Russian forces.[75]
India was the first international customer of the MiG-29, outside of theWarsaw Pact. TheIndian Air Force (IAF) placed an order for 44 aircraft (40 single-seat MiG-29 9.12Bs and four twin-seat MiG-29UBs) in 1984, and the MiG-29 was officially inducted into the IAF in 1987. In 1989, an additional 26 aircraft were ordered, and 10 more advanced MiG-29 9.13s were bought in 1994. Since then, the aircraft has undergone a series of modifications with the addition of new avionics, subsystems, turbofan engines and radars.[76]
The MiG-29's good operational record prompted India to sign a deal with Russia in 2005 and 2006 to upgrade all of its MiG-29s for US$888 million. Under the deal, the Indian MiGs were modified to be capable of deploying theR-77/RVV-AE (AA-12 'Adder') air-to-air missile. The missiles had been tested in October 1998 and were integrated into the IAF's MiG-29s. The IAF has also awarded the MiG Corporation another US$900 million contract to upgrade all of its 69 operational MiG-29s. These upgrades will include a new avionics kit, with the N019 radar being replaced by a PhazotronZhuk-M radar. The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance beyond-visual-range combat ability and for air-to-air refuelling to increase endurance.[78] In 2007, Russia also gave India'sHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a licence to manufacture 120RD-33 series 3 turbofan engines for the upgrade.[79] The upgrade will also include a new weapon control system, improved cockpitergonomics, air-to-air missiles, high-accuracy air-to-ground missiles and guided bombs. The first six MiG-29s will be upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 MiGs will be upgraded at the HAL facility in India. India also awarded a multi-million-dollar contract toIsrael Aircraft Industries to provide avionics and subsystems for the upgrade.[80]
In March 2009, the Indian Air Force expressed concern after 90 MiG-29s were grounded in Russia.[81] After carrying out an extensive inspection, the IAF cleared all MiG-29s in its fleet as safe in March 2009.[82] In a disclosure in Parliament, Defence Minister A. K. Antony said the MiG-29 is structurally flawed in that it has a tendency to develop cracks due to corrosion in the tail fin. Russia has shared this finding with India, which emerged after the crash of a Russian Air Force MiG-29 in December 2008. "A repair scheme and preventive measures are in place and IAF has not encountered major problems concerning the issue", Antony said.[83] Despite concerns of Russia's grounding, India sent the first six of its 78 MiG-29s to Russia for upgrades in 2008. The upgrade program will fit the MiGs with aphased array radar (PESA) and inflight refuelling capability.[30]
In January 2010, India and Russia signed a US$1.2 billion deal under which the Indian Navy would acquire 29 additional MiG-29Ks, bringing the total number of MiG-29Ks on order to 45.[84] The MiG-29K entered service with the Indian Navy on 19 February 2010.[85]
The upgrades to Indian MiG-29s will be to the MiG-29UPG standard. This version is similar to the SMT variant but differs by having a foreign-made avionics suite.[86] The upgrade to latest MiG-29UPG standard is in process, which will include latest avionics, Zhuk-ME Radar, engine, weapon control systems,DRDO/DARE developed D-29 electronic warfare system greatly enhancing multirole capabilities and survivability.[87][88] The first three aircraft were delivered in December 2012, over two years behind schedule.[89]
In 2020, India planned an order of 21 MiG-29s at an affordable price. These aircraft will be manufactured from airframes built in late 1980s but never assembled. Mikoyan will upgrade these aircraft before delivery to the Indian Air Force. In the process, India becomes the last export customer of the original airframe of MiG-29.[90][91][92] Russia has sent a commercial proposal for 21 MiG-29 aircraft to be refurbished for the Indian Air Force.
On 7 August 2024, IAF issued aRequest for Proposal (RFP) from itsMinistry of Defence to upgrade 24 MiG-29s to integrateHSLD Mk 2 bombs/missiles with a range of 180 km. This upgrade is to include additional hardware such asbomb racks on externalhardpoints, and necessary software for the aircraft. The project shall be overseen by No. 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) of the IAF. Subsequently, the entire MiG-29 fleet will be equipped with this in phases. The IAF has sought MoD for manufacturing the HSLD Mk II in India.[93][94]
The Indian Air Force and Navy has lost 20 and 5 of MiG-29s in crashes from 1989 to 2024, respectively. In total, the IAF and IN have purchased a total of 80 and 45 aircraft of their respective variants.[95]
On 8 May 2020, an IAF MiG-29 from the223 Squadron crashed nearJalandhar inPunjab with its pilot ejected safely after the aircraft failed to respond. A court of inquiry has been ordered in the incident.[96]
On 2 September 2024, a MiG-29 (KBU-3112) of IAF's47 Squadron crashed during a night training mission in an unpopulated area nearUttarlai ofBarmer district,Rajasthan due to technical reasons. The pilot ejected from the aircraft and there were no damage to life or property. The incident is under investigation.[97][98]
On 4 November 2024, a MiG-29 (KBU-711) of the28 Squadron crashed nearAgra during a routine training mission due to a "system malfunction". The aircraftstalled and eventually entered aflat spin before the crash. The pilot ejected safely and no life or property damage were reported. A court of inquiry has been ordered in the incident.[99][100] The pilot involved in the crash was of the rankWing Commander.[101] The aircraft was enroute fromAdampur toAgra.[102]
Yugoslavia was the first European country outside the Soviet Union to operate the MiG-29. The country received 14 MiG-29 9.12As and two MiG-29UBs from the USSR in 1987 and 1988. The MiG-29s were put into service with the 127th Fighter Aviation Squadron, based atBatajnica Air Base, north ofBelgrade, Serbia.[103]
Yugoslav MiG-29s saw little combat during the breakup of Yugoslavia, and were used primarily for ground attacks. SeveralAntonov An-2 aircraft used by Croatia were destroyed on the ground atČepin airfield nearOsijek, Croatia in 1991 by a Yugoslav MiG-29, with no MiG-29 losses.[104] At least two MiG-29s carried out an air strike onBanski Dvori, the official residence of theCroatian Government, on 7 October 1991.[105]
The MiG-29s continued their service in the subsequentFederal Republic of Yugoslavia. Because of the United Nationsarms embargo against the country, the condition of the MiG-29s worsened as aircraft were not maintained according to rules and general overhaul scheduled for 1996 and 1997 was not conducted.[106]
Six MiG-29s were shot down during the NATO intervention in theKosovo War, four by USAF F-15s, one by a USAF F-16, and one by aRoyal Netherlands Air Force F-16.[107][108] However, one aircraft, according to its pilot, was hit byfriendly fire from the ground.[109] Another four were destroyed on the ground.[110] One Argentine source claims that a MiG-29 shot down an F-16 on 26 March 1999,[111] but this kill is disputed, as the F-16C in question was said to have crashed in the US that same day.[112]
TheAir Force of Serbia and Montenegro continued flying its remaining five MiG-29s at a very low rate after the war. In the spring of 2004, news appeared that MiG-29 operations had ceased, because the aircraft could not be maintained,[104] but later the five remaining airframes were sent to Russia for overhaul. In July 2009, aSerbian Air Force MiG-29 crashed over Belgrade.[113] The small Serbian MiG-29 fleet along with other jets were grounded for four months during the summer of 2014 due to a battery procurement issue.[114]
In November 2016, Russia had agreed to donate six of its MiG-29s free of charge, if Serbia would pay the repair costs of $50 million for them.[115] At the end of January 2017, Serbian defense ministerZoran Đorđević said that Belarus also agreed to donate eight of its MiG-29s to Serbia on a no-pay basis.[116] In early October 2017, Russia completed the delivery of all the six MiG-29s. The aircraft were transferred to Serbia on board anAntonov An-124 transport aircraft.[117] On 25 February 2019, Belarus formally handed four MiG-29s to the Serbian military during a ceremony held at the558th Aircraft Repair Plant inBaranavichy. This increased the Serbian Air Force's fleet to 14 MiG-29s.[118] Serbia plans to spend about €180–230 million on modernization of its entire MiG-29 fleet.[119][120] As of 2021, the Serbian Air Force operates 14 MiG-29s.[121]
TheFederation of American Scientists claims the MiG-29 is equal to, or better than the F-15C in short aerial engagements because of theHelmet Mounted Weapons Sight (HMS) and better maneuverability at slow speeds.[124][self-published source?] This was demonstrated when MiG-29s of the German Air Force participated in jointDACT exercises with US fighters.[125][126] The HMS was a great help, allowing the Germans to achieve a lock on any target the pilot could see within the missile field of view, including those almost 45 degrees offboresight.[127] However, the German pilots who flew the MiG-29 admitted that while the Fulcrum was more maneuverable at slow speeds than theF-15 Eagle,F-16 Fighting Falcon,F-14 Tomcat, andF/A-18 Hornet and itsVympel R-73 dogfight missile system was superior to theAIM-9 Sidewinder of the time, in engagements that went into the beyond visual range arena, the German pilots found it difficult to multi-task locking and firing the MiG-29'sVympel R-27 missile (German MiG-29s did not have access to the more advancedVympel R-77 that equips more advanced MiG-29 versions) while trying to avoid the longer range and advanced search and track capabilities of the American fighters' radars andAIM-120 AMRAAM. The Germans also stated that the American fighters had the advantage in both night and bad weather combat conditions. The Luftwaffe's assessment of the MiG-29 was that the Fulcrum was best used as a point defense interceptor over cities and military installations, not for fighter sweeps over hostile airspace. This assessment ultimately led Germany to not deploy its MiG-29s in theKosovo War duringOperation Allied Force, though Luftwaffe pilots who flew the MiG-29 admitted that even if they were permitted to fly combat missions over the former Yugoslavia they would have been hampered by the lack of NATO-specific communication tools andidentification friend or foe systems.[128][129]
Beginning in 1993, the German MiGs were stationed withJG73 "Steinhoff" inLaage nearRostock. During the service in the German Air Force, one MiG-29 ("29+09") was destroyed in an accident on 25 June 1996 due to pilot error. By 2003, German Air Force pilots had flown over 30,000 hours in the MiG-29. In September 2003, 22 of the 23 remaining machines were sold to thePolish Air Force for the symbolic price of €1 per item.[130] The last aircraft were transferred in August 2004.[131] The 23rd MiG-29 ("29+03") was put on display at Laage.[132]
In 2020 it was reported that MiG-29 aircraft was flown by forces aligned withKhalifa Haftar in Libya.[133] On 11 September 2020,United States Africa Command stated that two MiG-29s, operated by Russian speaking personnel, crashed in Libya due to unknown reasons, the first on 28 June 2020, the second on 7 September 2020.[134] It was announced that MiG-29s and Su-24s are to be delivered to theLibyan Air Force from Russia.[135]
ThePeruvian Air Force acquired 21 MiG-29S fighters fromBelarus in 1997, as part of a package that also included 18Su-25 attack aircraft. The following year an additional 3 MiG-29 aircraft were acquired from Russia. At the same time, Peru contracted with Mikoyan to upgrade 8 aircraft to the MiG-29SMP standard, with an option to upgrade the remainder of the Peruvian inventory. The Peruvian MiG-29s are based atFAP Captain José Abelardo Quiñones González International Airport in northern Peru, equippingEscuadrón Aéreo 612 (Fighter Squadron 612 "Fighting Roosters").[136]
The first 12 MiG-29s delivered to Poland were nine MiG-29As and three MiG-29UBs in 1989–1990. The aircraft were based atMińsk Mazowiecki and used by the 1st Fighter Aviation Regiment, which was reorganized in 2001 as1 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (1. elt), or 1st Tactical Squadron (TS). In 1995–1996, 10 used examples were acquired from the Czech Republic (nine MiG-29As, one MiG-29UB). After the retirement of its MiG-23s in 1999, and MiG-21s in 2004, Poland was left for a time with only these 22 MiG-29s in the interceptor role.
Of the 22 MiG-29s Poland received from theGerman Air Force in 2004, a total of 14 were overhauled and taken into service. They were used to equip the 41st Tactical Squadron (41. elt), replacing its MiG-21s. As of 2008, Poland was the biggest NATO MiG-29 user. Poland had 31 active MiG-29s (25 MiG-29As, six MiG-29UBs) as of 2017.[137] They are stationed with the1st Tactical Squadron at the23rd Air Base nearMińsk Mazowiecki and the41st TS at the22nd Air Base nearMalbork.
There have been unconfirmed reports that Poland has at one point leased a MiG-29 from its own inventory to Israel for evaluation and the aircraft has since been returned to Poland, as suggested by photographs of a MiG-29 in Israeli use. Three Polish MiG-29As were reported in Israel for evaluation between April and May 1997 in theNegev Desert.[citation needed] On 7 September 2011, thePolish Air Force awarded a contract to the WZL 2 company to modernise its MiG-29 fleet to be compatible with Polish F-16s.[138]
Four MiG-29s from 1. elt participated in theBaltic Air Policing mission in 2006, while 41. elt aircraft did so in 2008, 2010 and 2012. Polish MiG-29s played the aggressor role in the NATO Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) joint training program inAlbacete in 2011, 2012 and 2013.[139]
On 18 December 2017, a MiG-29 crash-landed in a forest near the23rd Air Base while performing a landing approach.[140] The pilot did not eject, but survived the crash with minor injuries. This was the first crash of a MiG-29 during its nearly three decades long operational history in the Polish Air Force.[141] On 6 July 2018, another MiG-29 crashed nearPasłęk, with its pilot dying in an ejection attempt. Technical issues are suspected to have played a role in the crash.[142] Another crash followed on 4 March 2019. This time the pilot ejected and survived.[143]
On 8 March 2022, Poland announced a willingness to transfer their operational fleet of MiG-29 aircraft to the US via theRamstein Air Base, in exchange for aircraft of a similar role and operational capability, with the intent of transferring the MiG-29s to Ukraine to use in the2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[144]
On 16 March 2023, Polish PresidentAndrzej Duda announced that Poland would transfer four operational MiG-29s to Ukraine, with the understanding that additional aircraft would be delivered after servicing and preparation. Poland is the first NATO country to provide Ukraine with fighter aircraft.[145]
On 13 April, German Defence MinisterBoris Pistorius announced that Germany had approved the transfer of five MiG-29s to Ukraine. German approval was necessary because these aircraft belonged to theGerman Democratic Republic, which were then transferred to Poland in 2004.[146]
Iraq received a number of MiG-29 fighters and used them to engage Iranian equivalent opponents during the later stages of theIran–Iraq War.
By August 1990, at the time of theInvasion of Kuwait, theIraqi Air Force had received 39 MiG-29 (9.12B) Fulcrum-As. Iraq was reportedly unsatisfied that they did not receive the R-73 and R-27T missiles that Coalition intelligence had assessed as a great threat, instead receivingR-60MK missiles. As a result, they did not order anymore aircraft. Iraq was reportedly able to modify their MiG-29s to carry both drop tanks and the TMV-002 Remora ECM pod.[147]
MiG-29s saw combat in the 1991Persian Gulf War with theIraqi Air Force. Five MiG-29s were shot down by USAF F-15s.[148] Some Russian sources reported that oneBritishPanavia Tornado,ZA467, was shot down in northwestern Iraq by a MiG-29[149][150] UK sources claim this Tornado to have crashed on 22 January on a mission toAr Rutbah.[151] Other Iraqi air-to-air kills are reported in Russian sources, where the US claims other cases of combat damage, such as a B-52 which the US claims was hit by friendly fire, when anAGM-88 high-speed, anti-radiation missile (HARM) homed on the fire-control radar of the B-52's tail gun; the bomber returned to base and was subsequently renamed "In HARM's Way".[152] It is believed that anF-111 Aardvark was hit by a missile fired by a MiG-29 but it was able to return to base.[153] A MiG-29 from the 4th or 5th TFS also had a less fortunate kill against a friendly aircraft, a MiG-23ML using a R-27R missile on the 17th of January, 1991. This case of fratricide was not the first of this type, but a MiG-29 of the 5th TFS shot down another MiG-29 of the same unit using an R-60MK in April of 1988, though the circumstances are not entirely known.[154]
Iraq's original fleet of 37 MiG-29s was reduced to 12 after the Gulf War. One MiG-29 was damaged, and seven were reportedly flown to Iran.[155] The remaining 12 aircraft were withdrawn from use in 1995 because the engines needed to be overhauled but Iraq could not send them off for that work.[156]
After the American-led2003 invasion of Iraq and disbandment of theBa'athist IraqiArmy in May of the same year,[157] the remaining Soviet-made and Chinese-made fighters of the Iraqi Air Force had been decommissioned.
Syrian Arab Air Force MiG-29s have sometimes encounteredIsraeli fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. Two Israeli F-15Cs reportedly shot down two MiG-29As on 2 June 1989 under unclear circumstances.[158][159]
Further reports claim that on 14 September 2001 two Syrian Air Force MiG-29s were shot down by two Israeli F-15Cs while the MiGs were intercepting an Israeli reconnaissance aircraft off the coast of Lebanon. However, both Syria and Israel deny that this occurred.[159][160][161]
A Syrian MiG-29SM crashed on 7 March 2020 nearShayrat Airbase. Marking the first crash of the plane in the Syrian Air Force since 2001. According toavia.pro the aircraft may have been shot down byMANPADS operated by theSyrian Opposition.[163][164]
TheRoyal Malaysian Air Force operated 18 MiG-29N/NUB aircraft from 1995 to 2017 out of itsair base in Kuantan. The aircraft were modified to have an improved engine and stronger airframe to meet Malaysian requirements.[165]
In 2009, it was announced that the jets would be gradually phased out by the end of 2010 as a result of increasing maintenance costs, which would save approximately $76 million annually.[166] The Malaysian defence ministry subsequently went back on its position and announced it would keep ten planes in service and only retire the remaining six.[167] In 2013, it was announced that the MiG-29 fleet would be retired by 2015.[168] However, delays with its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program meant the jets were kept in service and set to be upgraded to extend their lifespan, but these plans ultimately did not materialise and they were finally retired in 2017.[169][170]
One crashed in 1998 as a result of hydraulic and battery failures, and another in 2004 after its engine caught on fire after takeoff. Both pilots ejected and survived.[171][172]
A North Korean MiG-29 intercepting a USAF RC-135S in 2003
TheKorean People's Air Force is believed to operate about 18 MiG-29 which are assigned to the 55th Air Regiment based atSunchon Air Base. In addition to 13 MiG-29 (9.12B) Fulcrum-As and 2 Fulcrum-B trainers that were delivered in 1987, North Korea also became the only Cold War export customer and licensed manufacturer of the Fulcrum-C.[173][page needed] Called the MiG-29S-13 (9.13B) Fulcrum-C, they were delivered to North Korea from the USSR/Russia between 1991 and 1992 in knock down parts. Only three S-13s were completed due to Russia refusing to supply more parts to North Korea. The first locally built Fulcrum-C flew on 15 April 1993.[173][page needed] These were first encountered and photographed by the USAF in March 2003 when a pair of KPAF MiG-29s intercepted anUSAFRC-135S Cobra Ball reconnaissance aircraft.[174][175]
There have been occasional claims regarding the use ofSudanese Air Force MiG-29s against insurgent forces inDarfur. However, whereasMi-24 combat helicopters as well asNanchang A-5 or, more recently,Su-25 ground-attack aircraft have been spotted and photographed on Darfurian air fields, no MiG-29s have been observed. On 10 May 2008, a Darfur rebel group, theJustice and Equality Movement (JEM) mounted anassault on the Sudanese capital. During this action, the JEM shot down aSudanese Air Force MiG-29 with 12.7 and 14.5 mm (0.500 and 0.571 in) heavy machine gun fire while it was attacking a convoy of vehicles in theKhartoum suburb ofOmdurman. The aircraft was piloted by a Russian mercenary. He was killed in action as his parachute did not open after ejecting.[176][177][178] On 14 November 2008 Sudanese Ministry of Defence admitted that Sudan had received 12 MiG-29 from Russia.[179] An anonymous Russian source claimed that the aircraft had been delivered before 2004.[179]
During the brief2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, on 4 April 2012, Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) claimed the downing of a Sudanese MiG-29 using antiaircraft guns. The Sudan government denied the claim.[180] On 16 April 2012, the SPLA issued a second claim about the downing of a Sudanese MiG-29.[181] It was not clear if this second claim referred to the previous one.
On 15 April 2023, a Sudanese MiG-29 was captured on film firing missiles over Khartoum during a skirmish with paramilitary forces.[182]
On 25 May 2023, a Sudanese MiG-29 was filmed being shot down by theRapid Support Forces (RSF) overOmdurman.[183] The pilot ejected and survived, although he was wounded and captured.[184]
In 1997, the US purchased 21 Moldovan MiG-29 aircraft under theNunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program. Fourteen were MiG-29S models, which are equipped with an active radar jammer in its spine and are capable of being armed with nuclear weapons. Part of the US' motive to purchase these aircraft was to prevent them from being sold to Iran.[185] This purchase could also provide the tactical fighter communities of theUSAF, theUSN and theUSMC with a working evaluation and data for the MiG-29, and possibly for use in dissimilar air combat training. Such information may prove valuable in any future conflicts and can aid in the design and testing of current and future weapons platforms. In late 1997, the MiGs were delivered to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) atWright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, though many of the former Moldovan MiG-29s are believed to have beenscrapped. Some of these MiG-29s are currently on open display atNellis AFB, Nevada;NAS Fallon, Nevada;Goodfellow AFB, Texas; andWright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
According to some reports, in the 1999Eritrean-Ethiopian War, a number of Eritrean MiG-29s were shot down by EthiopianSu-27s piloted by Russian mercenaries.[187] It was reported that local pilots were trained by instructors from those nations.[188] There are also some other reports of Eritrean MiG-29s shooting down two Ethiopian MiG-21s, three MiG-23s.[189] The claim that an Eritrean MiG-29 shot down an Ethiopian Su-25 was later debunked, since the missing Ethiopian Su-25TK was damaged in an accident in May 2000, is actually stored and used for spares at Bishoftu Air Base.
After the end of the1994 civil war, newly reunifiedYemen inherited several intact MiG-29s, bought by South Yemen a few months earlier.[191] In 1995–1996, Yemen also received two additional jets from Kazakhstan.[192] In 2001, a major arms deal including the purchase of up to 36 upgraded MiG-29s was signed, with deliveries starting in June 2002.[192] Equipped with N019MP radar and an advanced fire control system, they became the most advanced combat aircraft in the Yemeni Air force arsenal. They are compatible withKh-31P andKh-29T guided air-to-ground missiles, as well asR-77 air-to-air missiles.[192]
Before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Finland had a policy of splitting procurement of armaments between western, eastern and domestic suppliers. The MiG-29 was planned to replace theFinnish Air Force's MiG-21 fighters up to 1988, with test flights having been done.[193]
In the second half of the 1980s, the Soviet Union offered the MiG-29 to Libya. The offer was turned down, as the weapons system and radar of the MiG-29 were assessed as similar to those of the MiG-23MLD already in service with theLibyan Arab Air Force. The MiG-29's price was also deemed much too high.[194]
In 1989, Zimbabwe ordered a squadron's worth of MiG-29s to the USSR. SomeAir Force of Zimbabwe personnel travelled to Russia for conversion courses, but in 1992 the deal was cancelled, as the geopolitical situation of the region was stabilising.[196]
In December 2008, Russia moved to expand its military influence in the Middle East when it announced it was giving Lebanon 10 fighter jets, that would have been the most significant upgrade of Lebanon's military since the civil war ended almost two decades before. A Russian defence ministry representative said it was giving secondhand MiG-29s to Lebanon for free. This was to be part of a defence cooperation deal that would have included Lebanese military personnel training in Russia.[197] On 29 February 2010, Russia agreed to change the offer to 10 Mi-24 attack helicopters based on a Lebanese request.[198]
In 2021 Russia offered theArgentine Air Force a batch of 15 MiG-29 fighters and another ofSu-30 fighters with 12 units and seek also the sale ofYak-130 training jet andMil Mi-17 helicopters.[199]
Initial production version for Soviet Air Force; entered service in 1983. NATO reporting name is "Fulcrum-A". Variant possessed the Phazotron N019 Rubin radar, OEPS-29 optical-electronic sighting system and helmet mounted sight.
MiG-29 (Product 9.12A) 'Fulcrum-A'
Export variant of the 9.12 forWarsaw Pact countries which included a downgraded RPLK-29E radar, downgraded OEPrNK-29E optoelectronic and navigation systems and older IFF transponders. This variant also lacked the capability to deliver nuclear weapons. Delivered to East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Romania.
MiG-29 (Product 9.12B) 'Fulcrum-A'
MiG-29 variant of the 9.12 for non Warsaw Pact countries which included a further downgraded radar and avionics. Delivered to India, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, Malaysia, Myanmar and Eritrea.[201]
MiG-29UB (Product 9.51)
Twin seat training model. Infrared sensor mounted only, no radar. NATO reporting name is "Fulcrum-B".
MiG-29 (Product 9.13) 'Fulcrum-C'
Update of the initial production version; entered service in 1986. NATO reporting name is "Fulcrum-C". Variant possessed an enlarged dorsal spine to accommodate a larger No.1 fuel tank and the installation of the L-203BE Gardenyia-1 jammer that was lacking on the initial 9.12 version. This enlarged spine earned the 9.13 version and its successors the nickname of "Fatback".[12]
MiG-29 (Product 9.13B) 'Fulcrum-C'
Export variant of the 9.13 provided to North Korea in semi-knocked down (SKD) kits and built inPanghyon between 1991 and 1992. Like the 9.13, it has the Gardenyia-1 jammer but has downgraded avionics and no IFF.[202] Other sources say the Gardenyia was not delivered to North Korea.[203]
MiG-29S (Product 9.13S)
The MiG-29S was an update of the original 9.13 model retaining the NATO reporting code "Fulcrum-C" and featured flight control system improvements; a total of four new computers provided better stability augmentation and controllability with an increase of 2° inangle of attack (AoA). An improved mechanical-hydraulicflight control system allowed for greater control surface deflections. The MiG-29S can carry 1,150 L (250 imp gal; 300 U.S. gal) under wing drop tanks and a centerline tank. The inboard underwinghardpoints allow a tandem pylon arrangement for carrying a larger payload of 4,000 kg (8,800 lb). Overall maximum gross weight was raised to 20,000 kg (44,000 lb). This version also included new avionics and the new Phazotron N019M radar andBuilt-In Test Equipment (BITE) to reduce dependence on ground support equipment. Development of this version was initiated due to multiple systems being compromised to the West by Phazotron engineerAdolf Tolkachev. This was the final version of the MiG-29 produced before the collapse of the Soviet Union and only limited numbers were produced.
Post Soviet upgrade for older 9.12 variants incorporating the changes developed for version 9.13S.
MiG-29SD (Product 9.12SD)
Export variant of upgraded 9.12S with downgraded versions of radar and avionics.
MiG-29SE (Product 9.13SE)
Export variant of the 9.13S with slightly downgraded N-019ME radar with multiple target tracking ability and RVV-AE (R-77 missile) compatibility. The first export model MiG-29 with underwing drop tanks; the inner underwing pylons can carry over 500 kg (1,100 lb) bombs in side by side tandem pairs. Its weapons mix includes R-27T1, R-27ER1 and R-27ET1 medium-range missiles. The aircraft can be fitted with active ECM systems, weapons guidance aids, improved built-in check and training systems. The MiG-29SE can simultaneously engage two air targets.
MiG-29SM (Product 9.13M)
Similar to the 9.13, but with the ability to carry guided air-to-surface missiles and TV- andlaser-guided bombs. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-C".
MiG-29SM (SyAF)
For the Syrian Air Force, and based on the MiG-29SM, except the Syrian MiG-29SM uses the 9.12 airframe. RAC MiG developed a special variant for Syria.[204]
East German MiG-29 / 29UB upgraded to NATO standards, with work done by MiG Aircraft Product Support GmbH (MAPS), a joint venture company form between MiG Moscow Aviation Production Association andDaimlerChrysler Aerospace in 1993.[205]
MiG-29AS/MiG-29UBS
Slovak Air Force performed an upgrade on their MiG-29/-29UB for NATO compatibility. Work is done by RAC MiG and Western firms, starting from 2005. The aircraft now has navigation and communications systems from Rockwell Collins, anIFF system from BAE Systems, new glass cockpit features multi-function LC displays and digital processors and also fitted to be integrate with Western equipment in the future. However, the armaments of the aircraft remain unchanged. 12 out of 21 of the entire MiG-29 fleet were upgraded and had been delivered as of late February 2008.[citation needed]
MiG-29Sniper
MiG-29Sniper
Upgrade planned for theRomanian Air Force byDASA,Aerostar andElbit. DASA was responsible for program management, technical support and the test flight program (together with Elbit), Elbit was responsible for developing the avionics package, while Aerostar implemented the upgrades on the aircraft. The first flight occurred on 5 May 2000.[206][207] The upgrades included the installation of a new modular multirole computer based on theMIL-STD-1553B data bus, upgraded Western avionics, new radio stations, hybrid navigation system composed of an inertial navigation system and coupled with GPS receiver, identification system, two 152 mm × 203 mm (6.0 in × 8.0 in) MFCDs, a Head-Up Display equipped with UFCP front control panel, newRWR, new HOTAS and new ADC. The addition of a new radar and the integration of Western weapons while maintaining Russian ones were also expected.[208] The program halted due to various reasons, along with the retiring of Romanian MiG-29s in 2003, theRomanian Government deciding to further invest in theMiG-21 LanceR program.[209]
A Russian Air Force MiG-29SMT
MiG-29SMT (Product 9.17)
TheMiG-29SMT is an upgrade of first-generation MiG-29s (9.12 to 9.13) using enhancements on the MiG-29M. Additional fuel tanks in a further enlarged spine provide a maximum internal flight range of 2,100 km (1,300 mi). The cockpit has an enhanced HOTAS design, two 152 mm × 203 mm (6.0 in × 8.0 in) colour liquid crystal MFDs and two smaller monochrome LCDs. The MiG-29A lacked an advanced air-to-ground capability, thus the SMT upgrade adds the upgraded Zhuk-ME radar with air-to-ground radar detection and integrates air-to-ground guided weapons.[210] It also has upgraded RD-33 ser.3 engines with afterburning thrust rated at 81 kN (18,000 lbf) each. The weapons load was increased to 4,500 kg (9,900 lb) on six underwing and one ventral hardpoints, with similar weapon choices to the MiG-29M. It can also accommodate non-Russian origin avionics and weapons.[211][212]
Bangladesh Air Force MiG-29BM
MiG-29BM
The MiG-29BM (probably Belarusian Modernised, possibly Bolyshaya Modernizaciya – large modernization) is an upgrade conducted by the ARZ-558 aircraft repair plant in Baranovichi, Belarus. It is a strike variant of the MiG-29 and the Belarusian counterpart to the Russian MiG-29SMT. It includes improvements to weapons, radar, as well as adding non-retractable air-air refueling ability.[citation needed] They entered service in 2003 and it is estimated, that ten or so were modernized to BM standard.[213] TheBangladesh Air Force upgraded its MiG-29s similar to BM standard.[214]
MiG-29UBT (Product 9.51T)
SMT standard upgrade for the MiG-29UB. Namely users, Algeria and Yemen.[215][216]
MiG-29UPG
The UPG was a new modification intended for the MiG-29s used by the Indian Air Force. The Indian UPG version is similar to the SMT variant but differs by having a foreign-made avionics suite integrated within it.[86] The weapons suite is the same as the SMT and K/KUB versions.[86] It made its maiden flight on 4 February 2011. The version includes the newZhuk-M radar, new avionics, an IFR probe, as well as new enhancedRD-33 Series 3 turbofan engines, and theDRDO/DARE D-29 Electronic Warfare System.[87] The modernization is part of a $900 million contract to upgrade the 69 fighter fleet.[217][218]
MiG-29SMP / MiG-29UBP
The SMP/UBP are upgrades for the Peruvian Air Force MiG-29 fleet. In August 2008 a contract of US$106 million was signed withRAC MiG for this custom SM upgrade of an initial batch of eight MiG-29, with a provision for upgrading all of Peru's MiG-29s.[219] The single-seat version is designated SMP, whereas the twin-seat version is designated UBP. It features an improved ECM suite, avionics, sensors, pilot interface, and a MIL-STD-1553 databus. The interfaces include improved IRST capabilities for enhanced passive detection and tracking as well as better off-boresight launch capabilities, one MFCD and HOTAS.[220] The N019M1 radar, a heavily modified and upgraded digital version of the N019 radar, replaces the standard N010 Zhuk-M of the MiG-29SMT. The upgrade also includes a structural life-extension program (SLEP), overhauled and upgraded engines, and the addition of an in-flight refuelling probe.[221]
Advanced multirole variant, with a redesigned airframe, mechanical flight controls replaced by afly-by-wire system and powered by enhanced RD-33 ser.3M engines. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-E".
MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61)
Two-seat training variant of the MiG-29M. Never built. Effectively continued under the designation 'MiG-29M2'.
MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA
Two-seat version ofMiG-29M. Identical characteristics to MiG-29M, with a slightly reduced ferry range of 1,800 km (1,100 mi).[224] RAC MiG presented in various air shows, including Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004),[225]Aero India 2005,[226][227] MAKS 2005.[228] It was once given designation MiG-29MRCA for marketing purpose and now evolved into the current MiG-35.
Russian MiG-29OVT on display
MiG-29OVT
The aircraft is one of the six pre-built MiG-29Ms before 1991, later receivedthrust vectoring engine and fly-by-wire technology. It served as a thrust-vectoring enginetestbed and technology demonstrator in various air shows to show future improvement in the MiG-29M. It has identical avionics to the MiG-29M. The only difference in the cockpit layout is an additional switch to turn on vector thrust function. The two RD-133 thrust-vectoring engines, each features unique 3D rotating nozzles which can provide thrust vector deflection in all directions. However, despite its thrust-vectoring, other specifications were not officially emphasized. It is usually used as an aerobatic demonstrator and has been demonstrated along with the MiG-29M2 in various air shows around the world for potential export.[229]
Naval variant based on MiG-29M, the letter "K" stands for "Korabelnogo bazirovaniya" (deck-based). It features folding wings, arrestor gear, and reinforced landing gear. Originally intended for theAdmiral Kuznetsov class aircraft carriers, it had received series production approval from theRussian Ministry of Defence but was grounded in 1992 due to shift in military doctrine and financial difficulties.[230] The MiG Corporation restarted the program in 1999. On 20 January 2004, theIndian Navy signed a contract of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB.[230] Modifications were made for the Indian Navy requirement. Production MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB share a two-seater size canopy. The MiG-29K has radar absorbing coatings to reduceradar signature. Cockpit displays consist of wideHUD and three (seven on MiG-29KUB) colour LCD MFDs with aTopsight E helmet-mounted targeting system. It has a full range of weapons compatible with the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT.[231] NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-D".
MiG-29KUB (Product 9.47)
Identical characteristic to the MiG-29K but with tandem twin seat configuration. The design is to serve as trainer for MiG-29K pilot and is full combat capable. The first MiG-29KUB developed for the Indian Navy made its maiden flight at the Russian Zhukovsky aircraft test centre on 22 January 2007.[citation needed] NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-D".
Algerian Air Force – 26 MiG-29s in service in January 2014.[233][234] 14 MiG-29M/M2s on order.[235][236] As of 2023 there are 39 MiG-29 fighters and 1 UB trainer available, with 5 on order.[237]
Bangladesh Air Force – 6 MiG-29SEs (9.12SE)[232] and 2 MiG-29UBs in service as of 2021. Four MiG-29SEs were upgraded for life extension inBelarus. Rest were upgraded in 2021–2022.[239][240]
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force – 19 MiG-29s in operation as of 2023 according to Flight Global.[248] Iran purchased 20 MiG-29 (9.12B) and 4 MiG-29UB aircraft in 1989.[249] They attempted to purchase 48 more in 1992, but the deal fell through.[250] They had received 9 from Iraq, according toRSK MiG.[250]
Myanmar Air Force – 31 MiG-29s(6 SE, 20 SM(mod) and 5 UB) in January 2015.[255] 10 are upgraded to MiG-29SM(mod) standard.[256] As of 2023, 28 fighters and 5 UB trainers remain.[257]
Russian Aerospace Forces – 87 total[260] consisting of 70 MiG-29/MiG-29UB, 15 MiG-29SMT and 2 MiG-29UBT in service as of 2022.[260] 240 MiG-29 in service according to World Air Forces as of 2023.[261]
Serbian Air Force and Air Defence – 14 MiG-29s (5 MiG-29Аs, 3 MiG-29Bs,[b] 3 MiG-29Ss, 3 MiG-29UBs) in inventory as of 2022, 11 of which are modernized to the advanced MiG-29SMT standards while 3 (MiG-29UB) are used as aconversion trainer.[262]
Ukrainian Air Force – 37 to 70 MiG-29s in use as of March 2019[266][267] As of 2023 it is estimated that 47 fighters and 8 UB trainers are operational.[268] As of 8 March 2025, Ukraine lost 30 MiG-29s and 3 damaged on ground.[269]
Yemeni Air Force – 24 in service as of January 2017.[263] All grounded because of civil war. Many were destroyed on the ground during the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm in 2015.[272] 23 reported available in 2023, with 32 MiG-29s on order.[273]
Czechoslovakia – Received 18 MiG-29s and two MiG-29UB aircraft. Although six were capable of delivering nuclear weapons, the necessary equipment for this was removed as per theCFE treaty. All passed onto successor states.
Germany – One crashed, one on display, 22 sold to Poland in 2003 for €22 ($26.02).[277]
Hungary – 28 in inventory as of January 2011.[278] Reportedly stored outside.[279] The last fighter was retired in December 2010,[280] at which point only 4 aircraft were still in operational condition.[279] In 2011 the Hungarian government intended to sell six MiG-29 9.12 and two MiG-29UB aircraft. Replaced withJAS 39 Gripen but kept in reserve if needed.[281] In October 2017, theHungarian Air Force announced that 23 MiG-29s were to be auctioned off including engines and spare parts in November.[282] The online auction had areservation price of €8.7 million and failed to attract any bidders. This might have been because of an agreement between Hungary and Russia requiring themanufacturer's (Russia's) approval to transfer ownership of the aircraft.[279]
Iraq – Received 37 MiG-29s duringSaddam Hussein's era (MiG-29 9.12B and MiG-29UB); these were destroyed or written off and nine were reportedly flown to Iran.[155]
Kazakhstan -Kazakh Air and Air Defence Forces – 23 MiG-29s as of 2023. These were retired in 2023, put up for auction in October 2023, and reportedly sold in April 2024 to the US. It was speculated that these would be transferred to Ukraine as spare parts sources and/or decoys.[285][286][287] In a later statement, the Kazakh state-owned weapons importer and exporter Kazspetexport denied such claims, saying that foreign companies were not allowed to bid.[288][289]
Slovakia – Slovakia operated in total 24 MiG-29s. 9 MiG-29 9.12A and 1 MiG-29UB were inherited from Czechoslovakia. From 1993 to 1995 Slovakia ordered 12 additional MiG-29 9.12A and 2 MiG-29UB fighters as compensation for Russian debt.[298] 12 aircraft were upgraded by theRussian Aircraft Corporation MiG and Western companies in 2007 and 2008 to fulfill theNATO requirements,[299][300] and were maintained by Russian military technicians atSliač Air Base.[301] They were officially withdrawn from service on 31 August 2022.[302] Slovakia's Foreign MinisterRastislav Káčer has said that his country is prepared to transfer their fleet of MiG-29s to Ukraine. He said: "We have not yet handed [Ukraine] the MiG-29s. But we are ready to do it. We are talking with our NATO partners about how to do it," and such a package would involve "several thousand" missiles.[303][304] Slovakia transferred the first four of its MiG-29 fighter jets, from 13 to be sent to Ukraine on 24 March 2023.[305]
South Yemen – Received between 6 and 12 MiG-29s from either Moldova and Russia, or Moldova only, in 1994.[306]
Syria –Syrian Arab Air Force had 20 MiG-29s in service with 12 more on order as of January 2017.[263] A new Russian delivery arrived in May 2020.[307] 29 available as of 2023.[308] On 9 December 2024, Israeli airstrikes destroyed the entire MiG-29 fleet of the recently disbanded Syrian Arab Air Force.[309][310]
Yugoslavia – 14 MiG-29 and 2 MiG-29UB, passed on to Serbia and Montenegro.[297]
29+03 – MiG-29G on display at theLuftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr inBerlin.[132] This airframe is the only remaining German MiG-29 in Germany. It was previously on display in Laage before being moved to the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in 2006 as part of the exhibition "50 Jahre Luftwaffe".[312][313]
Hungary
One MiG-29 is on display with other older MiG planes and helicopters at The RepTár Museum of Szolnok, Hungary.[314][c]
KB-741 – On display at the Technical Type Training (TETTRA) School inPune, Maharashtra.[316]
Latvia
9-52 – MiG-29UB on display at theRiga Aviation Museum inRiga. This airframe is the second MiG-29UB prototype. After 213 test flights around Moscow between 23 August 1982 and 10 April 1986, it was disassembled and parts of the wings and tails were re-used in prototype (9–16). The remains were shipped toRiga Military Aviation Engineers High School, and later handed over to the Riga Aviation Museum in 1994, where it is currently displayed.[317] The remains of this prototype is in a very bad condition, with open fuselage panels and a partly broken canopy.[citation needed]
N129XX[340] – MiG-29UB owned by Air USA and located at theQuincy Regional Airport inQuincy, Illinois. This aircraft was purchased by Don Kirlin from Kyrgyzstan.[341] It is available for contract training and flight testing.[342]
Two MiG-29UBs in flying condition were offered for sale from Eastern Europe in spring 2009. These aircraft come from the same source as the flyable aircraft (N129UB) previously owned by the Historic Flight Foundation[343][339] and now owned by Jared Isaacman.[338][needs update]
Hardpoints: 7 × hardpoints (6 × underwing, 1 × fuselage) with a capacity of up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of stores, with provisions to carry combinations of:
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^Gordon 2006, pp. 55, 57: "Indeed, on the first thirty production aircraft the inlet ducts, engine cowlings, leading-edge flaps, control surfaces, wingtips, fuselage spine, detachable upper fin sections and numerous access panels were made of composites, not to mention the radome and dielectric fin caps concealing communications aerials." Composites failed during testing and service. "In the end only composite fins, radome and access panels remained."
^"Ukraine conflict: EU to supply Kyiv with fighter aircraft".Jane's. 28 February 2022.Archived from the original on 21 March 2022. Retrieved11 April 2022.While supplying aircraft would address the immediate problem of replacing attrition losses, Ukraine's main airbases have been subjected to attack, with at least six MiG-29s destroyed on the ground at Ivano-Frankivsk Airport in the southwest of the country.
^Oppenheim, John and Willem-Jan van der Wolf.Global war crimes tribunal collection, Volume 1, Part 1. Nijmegen, the Netherlands: Global Law Association, 1997, p. 404.
^"Case Mig-29". Vreme. 9 November 2000.Archived from the original on 3 October 2016. Retrieved22 February 2016.
^Sotham, John."The Truth About the Mig 29".Air And Space Smithsonian. Smithsonian Institution.Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved17 February 2019.
^Cooper, Tom (2020).In the claws of the Tomcat: US Navy F-14 Tomcats in Air Combat against Iran and Iraq, 1987–2000. Helion & Co. p. 27.ISBN978-1-915070-23-4.
^Steve Davies.F-15C Eagle Units in Combat, p. 88. Osprey Combat Aircraft 53.
^"Military Aircraft".Evergreen Museum Campus. Evergreen Museum.Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved23 August 2016.
^ab"FAA Registry [N29UB]".Federal Aviation Administration. U.S. Department of Transportation.Archived from the original on 8 December 2014. Retrieved15 September 2021.
^"FAA Registry [N129XX]".Federal Aviation Administration. U.S. Department of Transportation.Archived from the original on 8 October 2016. Retrieved24 August 2016.
Cooper, Tom (2018).Hot Skies Over Yemen. Vol. 2: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula,1994–2017. Warwick, UK: Helion & Co. Publishing.ISBN978-1-911628-18-7.
——— (2018b).MiG-23 Flogger in the Middle East, Mikoyan i Gurevich MiG-23 in Service in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Libya and Syria, 1973–2018. Warwick: Helion & Co. Publishing.ISBN978-1-912390-32-8.
———; Weinert, Peter; Hinz, Fabian; Lepko, Mark (2011).African MiGs. Vol. 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe. Houston: Harpia Publishing.ISBN978-0-9825539-8-5.
Day, Jerry (April 2009), "Hot Hot Hot!",Air Classics,45 (4).
Eden, Paul, ed. (2004), "Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum",Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft, London: Amber Books,ISBN1-904687-84-9.
Gordon, Yefim; Davison, Peter (2005).Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum. North Branch, MN: Specialty Press.ISBN978-1-58007-085-0.
Gordon, Yefim (2006).Mikoyan Mig-29. Famous Russian aircraft. Dimitriy Komissarov, transl. Midland Publishing.ISBN978-1-85780-231-3 – via Internet Archive.
Jenkins, Dennis R.McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Supreme Heavy-Weight Fighter. Arlington, TX: Aerofax, 1998.ISBN1-85780-081-8.
Lake, Jon. "Mikoyan MiG-29 'Fulcrum'".World Air power Journal. Volume 4, Winter 1990/91. London: Aerospace Publishing. pp. 44–91.ISBN1-874023-06-9.ISSN0959-7050.
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