Recent orders for the Mikoyan MiG-29K may pave the way for further successes for the sea-going version of the “Fulcrum,” according to RSK MiG. A first batch of MiG-29Ks and KUB trainers for the Indian navy was followed by a second order this March for 29 aircraft. Meanwhile, the Russian navy has decided to buy 26 MiG-29K/KUBs to replace its Sukhoi Su-33s.
RSK MiG highlights the type’s low cost, about $40 million, compared to its Western rivals as its key selling point, while offering similar levels of capability. In India, the adoption of the MiG-29K by the navy may influence the air force in the selection of its land-based medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) fighter, for which the related MiG-35 is one of six competitors. The navy may also look for more aircraft should it extend its short-takeoff-but-arrested-recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carrier fleet beyond the current two vessels.
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