Future uncertain for MiG‑29K in Russia and India
Reuben Johnson, a former Pentagon consultant specializing in defense technology and weapon systems design, believes the Russian MiG-29K is facing significant challenges. The future of this fighter jet in the armed forces of Russia and India is now uncertain.
Development of the MiG-29K began in the 1980s. It is a carrier version of the MiG-29 fighter jet, created during the search for an aircraft capable of operating effectively from the Soviet Union's future aircraft carriers. After the USSR collapsed and its manufacturer faced financial difficulties, work on the MiG-29K was halted, making way for the Su-33 fighters. However, after 2000, the MiG-29K project was revived, largely due to investment from India.
MiG-29K in increasingly worse condition
Russia and India are the primary users of the MiG-29K fighter jets, but according to Reuben Johnson, both countries face considerable challenges with them.
For the Russians, the main issue is with the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. Although the Admiral Kuznetsov is officially part of the fleet, continuous repairs prevent it from being operational, essentially undermining Russia's claim to possess a carrier of this class.
"While India continues to operate the MiG-29K, the jet’s long-term role in Russia’s naval aviation remains in doubt. With the status of the carrier’s repair still uncertain and still no completion date, it is unclear what will be done with these aircraft should the ship be permanently withdrawn from service," writes Reuben Johnson in his analysis.
Black series of Indian MiG-29K accidents
India continues to operate the MiG-29K, but this doesn't mean they aren't encountering problems. The country has experienced a series of accidents involving these fighters acquired from Russia.
Additionally, the Indian military has repeatedly stressed that the MiG-29K lacks sufficient combat capabilities, mainly due to unreliable engines, especially noticeable during takeoffs with full armaments and fuel, and landing gear that frequently requires maintenance.
Due to its poor reputation in India, despite years of collaboration with the Russian manufacturer, only solutions from other countries were considered in the tender for a new carrier-based aircraft for the Indian Navy. The options included the Rafale from France and the F/A-18 Super Hornet from the United States. Ultimately, India selected the Rafale, which will gradually replace the MiG-29K.
