Russia’s Rosoboronexport and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics have signed a contract to deliver 26 RD-33 series 3 engines for Indian MiG fighter planes.

The RD-33 series 3, an upgraded version of the RD-33 powerful turbofan engine with thrust vectoring for the MiG family fighters to provide enhanced manoeuvrability and better performance in close air engagements.

In 2005, Russia signed a $250m deal with India for HAL to make 120 RD-33 series 3 jet engines at its Koraput plant for the upgrade of MiG-29 fighters. This deal will provide HAL with the experience to assemble the RD-33 jet engines.