MiGs in the skies over India

MiG-29UPG of the IAF (photo: Simon Watson)

Diplomatic relations between Russia and India, now for over 70 years, are unique because of openness and efficiency. They have similar views on the global world order, mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy, industry and agriculture which has made possible to form a common creative view on world developments and well-being of their citizens. One of the key aspects in the long standing dialogue between the countries has been, and remains, military-technical cooperation between the two countries which is now reaching a new level of development.

IAF MiG-21s (photo: Simon Watson)

Projects in combat aviation give reasons for real pride as it is in this domain that, over a long period of time, the brand ‘MiG’ has made, and continues to make, significant contribution to the air power of India’s air forces. More than 1000 ‘MiG’ aircraft have been supplied to the Indian forces and also manufactured under licence by Indian industry. In fact, the first licence production of MiG-21 fighter, almost half a century back, was actually start of the ‘Make in India’ programme long before this became an established fact. Second, third and fourth generations of ‘MiG’ aircraft have been supplied within the framework of military-technical cooperation and Indian pilots got advanced MiG fighters much earlier than other foreign operators. As an example, in the 1980s, India was the first country to receive MiG-29s even before USSR allies of the Warsaw Pact did.

Manufacturing, maintenance and repair facilities for ‘MiG’ aircraft have long been localised in India, which supports the Indian Air Force and Navy to significantly reduce time and cost of all stages of after sales support, from setting up of technical centres to scheduled maintenance and repair-restoration work.

MiG-35 (photo: MiG)

An important aspect in development of military-technical cooperation between the two countries is a potential decision of the Indian Government to purchase twenty one MiG-29s manufactured by the ‘Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG’ (as part of the United Aircraft Corporation). Sources in the Indian Ministry of Defence explain that this purchase is necessary for augmentation of the country’s combat fleet at a time when the earlier generation MiG-21 aircraft are being replaced according to the plan. At the same time, in the current international situation, India is considering rapid upgradation of its MiG-29/MiG-29UB fleet as also upgrading MiG-29K/ KUB fighters of the Indian Navy.

Corresponding with modern approaches on the supply and operation of aviation equipment, the ‘MiG’ Corporation is ready to offer a wide range of services for post-sales support and training of aviation personnel, including the complex maintenance systems, in cooperation with local partners and also long-term maintenance LTA contracts. It is also important to note that the ‘MiG’ Corporation offers a comprehensive offset programme, and also that the most important and demanding parts of this programme within the framework of previously concluded contracts are already being implemented by the Corporation. Thus, joint ventures and high-tech opportunities are created in India, with the most advanced technologies absorbed by the industry.

IAF MiG-29UPG (photo: MiG)

A new and significant opportunity in development of military-technical cooperation between the countries the potential tender for supply of 114 multirole fighters for the Indian Air Force. To participate in the tender the ‘MiG’ Corporation has worked on a proposal for local production of the MiG-35 fighter in keeping with the strategic cooperation agreement involving the Indian industrial partner. The MiG-35 aircraft is considered as pinnacle of the ‘MiG’ aircraft family, and designed for operation in high-intensity armed conflicts, in conditions of extensive and layered enemy air defence systems. The MiG-35 can perform complex multipurpose missions in a continuously changing operational and tactical environment against air, ground and surface targets. Incorporating fifth-generation fighter technologies, radar with active phased array antenna, a modern cockpit, wide range of weapons including those foreign-made, having high rate of operational reliability and with an infrastructure already existing in India, plus experience of the Indian Air Force pilots, this could give great advantage to the MiG-35 in the upcoming tender.

MiG-35 (photo: MiG)

Proposal of the ‘MiG’ Corporation involves full transfer of technology to the Indian Government, providing the full scope of manufacturing technologies, operational and repair documentation. Implementation of the project for supply and indigenous production of MiG-35 aircraft will allow the Indian aviation industry to exploit advanced manufacturing technologies and developing of key systems of 5th generation aviation equipment, as well as to increase scientific knowhow for the development of other national aviation projects. This time-tested partnership is one of the important components of the two countries foreign policy. Over the years of being friendly ties in various fields, the peoples of India and Russia have greatly benefited from each other’s strengths. Thus, it is important that New Delhi and Moscow continue to expand and strengthen their military-technical cooperation in order to meet modern challenges. This is the very basis of freedom, independence and prosperity of the ‘two’ countries for many years to come.

Article courtesy: MiG

Drawing: Amartya Mitra