Mig-35D

Description: The Mig-29, Fulcrum NATO-codename, is a single-seat, highly maneuverable fighter aircraft designed to engage airborne targets such as aircraft, UAVs and cruise missiles. It features a limited air-to-surface/ ground strike capability. The Mig-29 is the Soviet counterpart to US F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft. More than 1,300 Mig-29s have been produced for 27 countries worldwide. The Mig-29 aircraft features an integrated fire control system comprising the aircraft radar, and Infrared Search and Track (IRST) device, and a helmet-mounted sight. It can accommodate medium range R-27 and short range R-73 air-to-air missiles, bombs, and rockets as well as a built-in 30mm GSh-301 gun. The Mig-29 is able to outperform any existing western aircraft in a short range engagement employing the combination of R-73 missile, helmet-mounted sight and IRST. The Mig-29 Fulcrum avionics are not as sophisticated as its NATO counterparts aircraft such as the Mirage 2000, F-15, F-16, and F/A-18. In the event of an air-to-air engagement at medium range NATO-aircraft shall have advantage over the Soviet Mig-29. However in a dogfight the Mig-29 will outperform NATO-aircraft easily. In the ground strike role the Mig-29 doesn't match NATO-aircraft capabilities.

The Mig-35 is an advanced version of the Mig-29 aircraft and represents 4++ generation of Russian fighter aircraft technology. It is capable of winning an air dogfight, neutralizing attack aircraft and cruise missiles, destroying sea and surface targets employing precision guided munitions at standoff ranges, conducting air reconnaissance missions, and playing patrol missions in groups of aircraft. The Mig-35 features open architecture avionics, improved operational performance and a greater number of weapons compared with other members of Mig-29 family aircraft. Extensive use of composites in the airframe have led to radar cross section (RCS) reduction thus achieving enhanced survivability. RAC MIG rolled out the first production aircraft on January 9, 2007.

The Mig-35D is a twin-seat version of Mig-35 multi-mission aircraft.