RSK MiG is in the process of upgrading an initial batch of six MiG-29s for the Indian Air Force (IAF), MiG engineering centre head Vladimir Barkovsky has said.
The overhaul programme involves the MiG-29UPG configuration to upgrade combat capability and the inspection of each airframe for an increase in service life.
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The jets will also receive a new slot-array Phazotron NIIR Zhuk-M2E radar and OLS-UEM optical sensor as well as a helmet-mounted sight and glass cockpit, which will enable the use of Kh-29T/L, Kh-31A/P and Kh-35 air-to-surface missiles.
The modernisation programme forms part of the $964m contract to upgrade 63 in-service MiG-29s to the UPG configuration.
The first aircraft, along with the other five in the batch to be upgraded in Russia, is scheduled to complete flight trials and return to service by the end of the year.
The rest of the aircraft will be retrofitted in India using Russian components, according to ATO.ru.
