Russian-Indian MiG‑29K fighter jets face uncertain future
Reuben Johnson, a former Pentagon consultant specialising in defence technology and weapon system design, believes that the Russian MiG-29K faces significant challenges. The future of this fighter jet, which is used by the Russian and Indian armed forces, is currently uncertain.
Development of the MiG-29K commenced in the 1980s. It is the carrier-based version of the MiG-29 fighter, conceived as an aircraft capable of effective operation from the Soviet Union’s future aircraft carriers. However, progress on the MiG-29 K was halted following the collapse of the USSR and the financial difficulties faced by its manufacturer. The aircraft was then overshadowed by the Su-33 fighters. Interest in the MiG-29K was revived after 2000, largely due to investment from India.
MiG-29K in an increasingly precarious situation
Today, Russia and India remain active users of the MiG-29K fighters. However, Reuben Johnson highlights that both countries are experiencing notable issues with them.
For Russia, the main issue revolves around the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, as indicated by Łukasz Michalik, a journalist for Wirtualna Polska. Officially, the Admiral Kuznetsov is part of the fleet, but in reality, its endless repairs mean it merely upholds the illusion of Russia possessing a ship of this class.
"The long-term role of this jet in Russian naval aviation remains doubtful. As the status of the aircraft carrier's repair is uncertain with no completion date provided, it is unclear what will become of these aircraft if the ship is permanently withdrawn from service," writes Reuben Johnson in his analysis.
A series of Indian MiG-29K fighter accidents
India continues to utilise the MiG-29K, but this does not come without challenges. A series of accidents involving these Russian-acquired fighters has drawn international attention.
Additionally, Indian military officials have repeatedly criticised the MiG-29K for its insufficient combat capabilities, mainly due to underpowered engines (notably affecting performance during take-offs with heavy armament and substantial fuel loads) and landing gear that requires frequent maintenance.
Consequently, the MiG-29Ks have developed a poor reputation in India. Despite longstanding collaboration with the Russian manufacturer, when a new competition for a carrier-based aircraft for the Indian navy was launched, the focus was solely on non-Russian solutions. Options considered included the Rafale from France and the F/A-18 Super Hornet from the United States. Ultimately, the Rafale was selected and is set to gradually replace the MiG-29K.
