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-29 Fulcrum fighter aircraft entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1984. The Russian Air Force has plans to upgrade these earlier models to latest variant featuring advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.
The Mig-29SD is a joint life extension upgrade program available for Mig-29s operated by NATO members. The joint program is being carried out by corporations from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Germany and Russia. The joint program started in 2002 and will see Mig-29s from Slovakia (Mig-29AS designation), Poland and Bulgaria upgraded to the SD configuration which is fully compliant with NATO standards. SD models include modern Russian-made computer and displays; navigation, landing and radio systems provided by Rockwell Collins and new organic identification friend or foe (IFF) equipment from BAE Systems.
Mig Corporation is the lead integrator while LOTN of Slovakia provides its facilities and HR Smiths and Goodrich Lighting Systems are key suppliers along with BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins. The first 12 Mig-29SD were delivered to Slovakia, which utilizes the Mig-29AS name to refer to these aircraft, in early March 2008. All in, the Mig-29SD is able to classify airborne targets without referring to ground stations while its navigation and air-to-air capabilities have been expanded. The aircraft's lifespan has been extended to 40 years adding more than 4,000 additional flying hours. The Mig-29SD abilities have been demonstrated during NATO joint exercises.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 1
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 30 mm
Dimensions: Height 4.7 m, Length 17.3 m, Wingspan 11.4 m
Weights: Max Weight 18,000 kg (39,683 lb), Payload 4,000 kg (8,818 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 36,600 lb (16,602 kg)
Performance: Ceiling 18,000 m (59,055 ft), Max Range 2,900 km (1,566 nm), Min Range 1,500 km (810 nm), Top Speed 781 mps (Mach 2.35)
In March 2008, India and MIG Corporation of Russia signed a contract worth about $1 billion for the upgrade of 70 Mig-29 aircraft over a five-year period. The upgrade kit included a new radar, new weapon control systems and improvements to the aircraft's engines.
Specific equipment
Astra, Zhuk-ME
Iran
Iraq
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
North Korea
Poland
Upgraded to Mig-29SD standard which are scheduled for retirement by 2025
As of
Holdings
2007
42
Romania
Russia / 500
Serbia
Slovakia
Upgraded to Mig-29AS/SD standard
Syria
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United States of America / 21
Uzbekistan
Yemen
Image Gallery
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Algeria
Bangladesh
Belarus
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Germany
Hungary
India
Iran
Iraq
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
North Korea
Poland
Upgraded to Mig-29SD standard which are scheduled for retirement by 2025
Romania
Russia / 500 
Serbia
Slovakia
Syria
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United States of America / 21 
Uzbekistan
Yemen