MiG-29/35 Fulcrums

[IndianHawk]

Also Mig-29KUB & UPG in Indian inventory have developed a reputation for not being user friendly or reliable, along with having low availability & high operating costs... Buying mothballed Mig-29 is one thing but they'll have to be seriously impressive in MMRCA 2 for Mig-35 to be selected.

Mig29 k of navy had issue but airforce is happy with mig29UPG upgrade . Upg comes with in-flight refueling better engine , better avionics and dare has developed d29 ew suite for it which is excellent . It's just old design which has run its course. Mwf will do same job with less expenses , less maintenance and much much less rcs.

 

[Shashank Nayak]

Any idea about progress on the purchase of moth balled mig-29 from Russia...?

 

[Bleh]

Upg comes with in-flight refueling, better engine, better avionics and dare has developed d29 ew suite for it which is excellent

That's the point of upgradation... But mentioned issues that Russian products are infamous for likely continue to exist.

 

[IndianHawk]

That's the point of upgradation... But mentioned issues that Russian products are infamous for likely continue to exist.

Depends. Su30 is too big and heavy and hence needs more maintenance yet most of its issue were sorted by Manohar parrikar by investing in spares . Mig29 upg is rather light not much issues .

Naval mig29k had severe issues but navy seems happy with them now.

Western jets are much more maintenance friendly that is a given . LCA is also same as western jets .

 

[IndianHawk]

Any idea about progress on the purchase of moth balled mig-29 from Russia...?

Nope no new report. But they should be coming probably. Airframe were unused and upg standard is pretty good .

 

[WolfPack86]

Finally, Russia’s Formidable New MiG Is Almost Ready

Owing to a much higher price than expected, only 36 MMRCA category fighter jets have been contracted to be obtained in the form of Rafale out of the required number of 126 MMRCA category of fighter jets that are required by IAF. Thus another opportunity presents itself for IAF to evaluate fighter jets from companies of other countries. Although the final decision rests with IAF to determine the fighter jet that it evaluates to be suited to its requirement ; MiG 35 of RAC MiG from Russia , a 4++ generation fighter aircraft, holds many positives over the fighter jets in the same category and should be positively taken into consideration while obtaining the remaining number of 90 MMRCA category of fighter jets by IAF. A brief explanation citing quite a few technologies incorporated in MiG 35 giving an insight into its capabilities is attempted in the write up that follows.
MiG 35 is a twin engined fighter aircraft which is a completely new variant having scant similarities with MiG 29K/KUB was very recently offered to India for naval operations as well as for acquisition of multi-role fighter aircraft for Indian Airforce. The dual seat version of this 4++ generation aircraft is MiG 35D. This fighter has greatly improved avionics and weapons systems and is capable of shooting down attack aircraft & cruise missiles and destroy ground targets as well. Its radar is AESA radar which is technologically better and efficient than the powerful PESA radars , its optical locator station (OLS) enables the fighter jet to target independent of ground-controlled interception (GCI) systems and along with BINS-SP2 strapdown inertial navigation system which allows MiG 35 to navigate in the absence of satellite, land-based radar stations and offshore navigation systems gives it the capability to conduct search , track and attack operations without the directives of ground radar stations.
Other new features are advanced information-sighting systems, adaptability of onboard firmwares with both Russian and foreign weapons systems along with integrated defence systems for increased combat survivability. The SOLO (Stantsiya Obnaruzheniya Lazernogo Oblucheniya) is a laser warning device designed by NII PP has two sensors suites located on the wing tips. It is capable of detecting the tracking of the aircraft with a laser range finder from a distance of 30 kilometers. MiG 35 uses very effective avionic systems like MSP 41KE active jammer POD and ELT/568(V)2 Self Protection Jammer (SPJ) for self protection.
MiG 35 betters its previous variants by many aspects. It has 10 hard points instead of 9 , airframe life increased from 5000 to 6000 hours of flying, has AESA radar instead of PESA radar,thrust vectoring engines, better avionics, internal fuel capacity is increased by 1.5 times, FADEC capable RD-33MK engines life resource is 6000 hours compared to 2500 of RD33 Ser.3 engines , the RD-33MKV engine the thrust vectoring version of RD-33MK engine has all-aspect thrust vectoring capacity.
MiG 35 fighter is vastly different from other MiG 29 variants and enables MiG 35 to conduct full scale multi-role operations. New avionics , opto-electronic and new AESA radar help MiG 35 to conduct air-superiority operations by means of air interception & air interdiction, precision all-weather air-to-ground operations,aerial reconnaissance and joint operations with other Russian fighter jets, close air support, suppression of enemy air defences and to attack maritime targets.

MiG 35 With Its Ten Hard Points Loaded
Among new technological enhancements in MiG 35 the most significant are the Phazotron Zukh-AE AESA radar, RD-33MK all-aspect thrust vectoring engines , new NII PP OLS-UEM optical locator station , BINS-SP2 strapdown inertial navigation system, SOAR System , MSP-418K active jamming system and ELT/568(V)2 Self Protection Jammer.

Various Detection and Defencive Systems On MiG 35
Phazotron Zukh-AE AESA Radar:

This radar is all-weather effective , has a wide range of operating frequencies, it provides significant resistance against electronic warfare giving it the capability to operate in ECM-heavy environment. It has a detection range of 160 Kms for aerial targets and 300 Kms for ships. This radar is capable of tracking 30 targets and target 6 aerial ones and four ground targets simultaneously.
BINS-SP2 Strapdown Inertial Navigation System :

This system autonomously processes navigation and flight information , also determines position and motion parameters with the help of built-in laser gyros and quartz accelerometers in absence of assistance from satellite navigation with default integration with GLONASS. One unit of this system is expected to have an operation life of 10,000 hours which is twice compared to the same type of navigation systems other than BINS SP2. This also aids the fighter jet in network centric warfare involving air,land and maritime operations.
RD-33MK All-Aspect Thrust Vectoring Engines:

This engine is 7 percent more efficient than previous version of RD33 engines for usage of new technology , it is smokeless and has reduced infrared and optical visibility. Introduction of KliVt swiveling thrust vectoring nozzles improve the engine’s efficiency by 12 to 15 percent giving it equivalent or better maneuverability than Su 30 MKI and F22 Raptor. In fact the thrust vectoring nozzles of RD 33 MKV variant of the engine has all-aspect thrust vectoring and enables MiG35 to fly at very low speeds without any limitation of angle-of-attack maintaining the controllability of the aircraft in zero-speed and negative-speed (tail forward) for much more sustained periods than 2D thrust vectored engines.
NII PP OLS-UEM Optical Locator Station:

This passive search-and-track sensor system has capability to detect emission from stealth fighter jets. OLS works like the human eye by capturing pictures and analyzing them to detect possible targets. This OLS system which is complex if powerful optics with IR vision is reported to aide pilots to detect US stealth fighter jets. This OLS system is made of Leuco Sapphire giving it ruggedness against damage by dust particles striking at mach speeds and far better reliability of signal propagation from the system.
A Few Words On Leuco Sapphire OLS Of New Wavelength:

The latest optical locator system (OLS) on MiG 35 that uses leuco sapphire , the next hardest material after diamond, enables propagation of uncorrupted IR signal in place of glass that is normally used in prevalent OLS systems. OLS helps in detection of aircraft independent of radar and does not have electromagnetic emission of its own and hence the position of the IR emitting aircraft remains undetected. The OLS works like a vividly enhanced eye which continually captures the picture to be processed by the built in computing systems of the aircraft. The new OLS developed in Russia along with leuco sapphire uses short wave band of IR emissions which have enabled increased sensitivity by several times along with significant improvement in detection range. It has detection range of 15 to 55 kilometers for airborne targets. Such OLS are considered to help detect even the most stealthiest of aircraft that are prevalent in most revered air forces of the world. Detection of target by OLS can trigger the release of the desired weapon upon pilot’s command independent of the radar in the aircraft.
OLS-K Ground and Sea Targeting OLS System:

This OLS system is designed to search, track and target on land and seas. It can detect and track a battle tank on the ground at a distance of 20 Kms and an object of the size of an aircraft carrier on sea at a distance of 40 Kilometers.
SOAR System:

It is a threat detection system for MiG 35 and is fitted on the gondola and a second one on the top of fuselage of the aircraft. It detects rocket launches and shows the direction of the incoming threat. It is capable of detecting Stinger/Igla missile from 10 Kms , air-to-air missiles from 30 kms, and big surface to air missiles from 50 Kms. It is developed by NII PP institute of Russia.
MSP-418K Kedr (cedar)Active Jamming POD

Compact jamming pod MSP-418-K is developed for individual and collective aircraft protection by means of active noise and interference generation to deceive and counteract against radio electronic equipment used in air defence, artillery or any other ground complexes. It implements noise generation and complex interference with DRFM technologies which implements digital signal processing and interference generator by noise generation and generating complex interferences with a programmable structure thereby providing an independent two-channel reception, processing, and emission of the original radar signal based on DRFM technology. It has the capacity to instantaneously measure the received radar signals for panoramic radar signal detection in G-J range. DRFM technology is a broadband signal processing with real-time signal processing and programmable features and it implements recording and reproduction of the received radar signals.
ELT/568(V)2 Self Protection Jammer :

This jammer has evolved from collaboration between Russian MiG and Elettronica of Italy and it provides self defence from radar controlled anti-aircraft guns.
MiG 35 Positives Over Shenyang J15 Type Fighter Jet Used By Chinese Navy The Rival Of Indian Navy For Maritime Operations
In comparison to the likely adversary in the form of Chinese Naval Forces Fighter Jets Shenyang J15, which is a derivative of Su 33 type fighter jet ,MiG 35 exceeds Shenyang J15 in quite a few parameters . MiG 35 exceeds service ceiling of J15 by 500 meters, rate of climb by 84 m/s, maximum speed by 100 Kmph, thrust-to-weight ratio by 0.20 and maximum maneuverability by 2g. All these aerodynamic factors combined with the advantage of ZUKH-AE AESA radar ,advanced OLS and all-aspect thrust vectoring engines give MiG 35 a significant edge over the Shenyang J15 with regards to maritime operations.
MiG 35 Positives Over F16
MIG 35 exceeds F16 in highest speed at altitude by mach 0.25, combat radius by 450 Kms on internal fuel , service ceiling by 2260 meters, rate of climb is by 76 m/s, maximum maneuverability by 1g along with all-aspect thrust vectoring RD33MKV engine which gives MiG 35 unlimited angle of attack. All these aspects should be considered carefully before deciding to obtain an all-weather fighter jet.
Weapons:

MiG 35 is capable of launching all missiles launched by Mig 29 variants which include ,but is not limited to, R23, R27, R77 and R73 air-to-air missiles; KH-29T, KH-29L, KH-31P KH-31PK, KH-35E,Kh-35UE and KH-38MLE air-to-surface missiles; KAB-500L(laser guided bomb),KAB-500T (TV guided)& FAB-250, FAB-500, ZAB-500 guided and unguided bombs.
Acquiring a completely new aircraft in large numbers will call for absolutely new logistics support, maintenance nightmares for multiple fighter jets of varied make and up keeping of these newly acquired fighter jets to maintain proper percentage of availability to have effective deterrence with the newly commissioned fighter jet along with its compatible missiles and munitions. Indian Air Force have inducted substantial numbers of MiG 29 and is in the process of upgrading them and India Navy have already inducted a substantial number of MiG 29K variant ,so, MiG 35 being a ultra advanced 4++ generation variant of the same MiG series of fighter jets the ready feasibility for Indian Airforce and Navy would be to opt for MiG 35 for MMRCA and carrier based operations respectively along with TOT to manufacture it in India after a few of these have been inducted directly from Russia through Govt. to Govt contract.
https://newsandarguments.wordpress.com/2017/05/03/mig-35-the-new-formidable-challenger-in-the-skies/

 

[ClutchGuy]

Mig-29s in Libya:

MiG-29 Fighters Were At Russia's Air Base In Syria Just Before Showing Up In Libya (Updated)

New satellite images point to the real possibility that Russia has now deployed major airpower to Libya.

www.thedrive.com

If true, could be a fascinating development. Does anyone have more insight? Are they Russian SMTs piloted by mercenaries?

 

[Tactical Frog]

Mig-29s in Libya:

MiG-29 Fighters Were At Russia's Air Base In Syria Just Before Showing Up In Libya (Updated)

New satellite images point to the real possibility that Russia has now deployed major airpower to Libya.

www.thedrive.com

If true, could be a fascinating development. Does anyone have more insight? Are they Russian SMTs piloted by mercenaries?

Check https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/...-haftars-migs-wont-tip-balance-battle-tripoli

The Mig-29s may be from Belarus origin, paid by United Arab Emirates. Nothing would be of course possible without Russia ‘s initiative and support. Pilots are of course mercenaries. Officially there is an embargo stopping these kind of arms transfers to Libya.

 

[Gaurav Rai]

Finally, Russia’s Formidable New MiG Is Almost Ready

Owing to a much higher price than expected, only 36 MMRCA category fighter jets have been contracted to be obtained in the form of Rafale out of the required number of 126 MMRCA category of fighter jets that are required by IAF. Thus another opportunity presents itself for IAF to evaluate fighter jets from companies of other countries. Although the final decision rests with IAF to determine the fighter jet that it evaluates to be suited to its requirement ; MiG 35 of RAC MiG from Russia , a 4++ generation fighter aircraft, holds many positives over the fighter jets in the same category and should be positively taken into consideration while obtaining the remaining number of 90 MMRCA category of fighter jets by IAF. A brief explanation citing quite a few technologies incorporated in MiG 35 giving an insight into its capabilities is attempted in the write up that follows.
MiG 35 is a twin engined fighter aircraft which is a completely new variant having scant similarities with MiG 29K/KUB was very recently offered to India for naval operations as well as for acquisition of multi-role fighter aircraft for Indian Airforce. The dual seat version of this 4++ generation aircraft is MiG 35D. This fighter has greatly improved avionics and weapons systems and is capable of shooting down attack aircraft & cruise missiles and destroy ground targets as well. Its radar is AESA radar which is technologically better and efficient than the powerful PESA radars , its optical locator station (OLS) enables the fighter jet to target independent of ground-controlled interception (GCI) systems and along with BINS-SP2 strapdown inertial navigation system which allows MiG 35 to navigate in the absence of satellite, land-based radar stations and offshore navigation systems gives it the capability to conduct search , track and attack operations without the directives of ground radar stations.
Other new features are advanced information-sighting systems, adaptability of onboard firmwares with both Russian and foreign weapons systems along with integrated defence systems for increased combat survivability. The SOLO (Stantsiya Obnaruzheniya Lazernogo Oblucheniya) is a laser warning device designed by NII PP has two sensors suites located on the wing tips. It is capable of detecting the tracking of the aircraft with a laser range finder from a distance of 30 kilometers. MiG 35 uses very effective avionic systems like MSP 41KE active jammer POD and ELT/568(V)2 Self Protection Jammer (SPJ) for self protection.
MiG 35 betters its previous variants by many aspects. It has 10 hard points instead of 9 , airframe life increased from 5000 to 6000 hours of flying, has AESA radar instead of PESA radar,thrust vectoring engines, better avionics, internal fuel capacity is increased by 1.5 times, FADEC capable RD-33MK engines life resource is 6000 hours compared to 2500 of RD33 Ser.3 engines , the RD-33MKV engine the thrust vectoring version of RD-33MK engine has all-aspect thrust vectoring capacity.
MiG 35 fighter is vastly different from other MiG 29 variants and enables MiG 35 to conduct full scale multi-role operations. New avionics , opto-electronic and new AESA radar help MiG 35 to conduct air-superiority operations by means of air interception & air interdiction, precision all-weather air-to-ground operations,aerial reconnaissance and joint operations with other Russian fighter jets, close air support, suppression of enemy air defences and to attack maritime targets.

MiG 35 With Its Ten Hard Points Loaded
Among new technological enhancements in MiG 35 the most significant are the Phazotron Zukh-AE AESA radar, RD-33MK all-aspect thrust vectoring engines , new NII PP OLS-UEM optical locator station , BINS-SP2 strapdown inertial navigation system, SOAR System , MSP-418K active jamming system and ELT/568(V)2 Self Protection Jammer.

Various Detection and Defencive Systems On MiG 35
Phazotron Zukh-AE AESA Radar:

This radar is all-weather effective , has a wide range of operating frequencies, it provides significant resistance against electronic warfare giving it the capability to operate in ECM-heavy environment. It has a detection range of 160 Kms for aerial targets and 300 Kms for ships. This radar is capable of tracking 30 targets and target 6 aerial ones and four ground targets simultaneously.
BINS-SP2 Strapdown Inertial Navigation System :

This system autonomously processes navigation and flight information , also determines position and motion parameters with the help of built-in laser gyros and quartz accelerometers in absence of assistance from satellite navigation with default integration with GLONASS. One unit of this system is expected to have an operation life of 10,000 hours which is twice compared to the same type of navigation systems other than BINS SP2. This also aids the fighter jet in network centric warfare involving air,land and maritime operations.
RD-33MK All-Aspect Thrust Vectoring Engines:

This engine is 7 percent more efficient than previous version of RD33 engines for usage of new technology , it is smokeless and has reduced infrared and optical visibility. Introduction of KliVt swiveling thrust vectoring nozzles improve the engine’s efficiency by 12 to 15 percent giving it equivalent or better maneuverability than Su 30 MKI and F22 Raptor. In fact the thrust vectoring nozzles of RD 33 MKV variant of the engine has all-aspect thrust vectoring and enables MiG35 to fly at very low speeds without any limitation of angle-of-attack maintaining the controllability of the aircraft in zero-speed and negative-speed (tail forward) for much more sustained periods than 2D thrust vectored engines.
NII PP OLS-UEM Optical Locator Station:

This passive search-and-track sensor system has capability to detect emission from stealth fighter jets. OLS works like the human eye by capturing pictures and analyzing them to detect possible targets. This OLS system which is complex if powerful optics with IR vision is reported to aide pilots to detect US stealth fighter jets. This OLS system is made of Leuco Sapphire giving it ruggedness against damage by dust particles striking at mach speeds and far better reliability of signal propagation from the system.
A Few Words On Leuco Sapphire OLS Of New Wavelength:

The latest optical locator system (OLS) on MiG 35 that uses leuco sapphire , the next hardest material after diamond, enables propagation of uncorrupted IR signal in place of glass that is normally used in prevalent OLS systems. OLS helps in detection of aircraft independent of radar and does not have electromagnetic emission of its own and hence the position of the IR emitting aircraft remains undetected. The OLS works like a vividly enhanced eye which continually captures the picture to be processed by the built in computing systems of the aircraft. The new OLS developed in Russia along with leuco sapphire uses short wave band of IR emissions which have enabled increased sensitivity by several times along with significant improvement in detection range. It has detection range of 15 to 55 kilometers for airborne targets. Such OLS are considered to help detect even the most stealthiest of aircraft that are prevalent in most revered air forces of the world. Detection of target by OLS can trigger the release of the desired weapon upon pilot’s command independent of the radar in the aircraft.
OLS-K Ground and Sea Targeting OLS System:

This OLS system is designed to search, track and target on land and seas. It can detect and track a battle tank on the ground at a distance of 20 Kms and an object of the size of an aircraft carrier on sea at a distance of 40 Kilometers.
SOAR System:

It is a threat detection system for MiG 35 and is fitted on the gondola and a second one on the top of fuselage of the aircraft. It detects rocket launches and shows the direction of the incoming threat. It is capable of detecting Stinger/Igla missile from 10 Kms , air-to-air missiles from 30 kms, and big surface to air missiles from 50 Kms. It is developed by NII PP institute of Russia.
MSP-418K Kedr (cedar)Active Jamming POD

Compact jamming pod MSP-418-K is developed for individual and collective aircraft protection by means of active noise and interference generation to deceive and counteract against radio electronic equipment used in air defence, artillery or any other ground complexes. It implements noise generation and complex interference with DRFM technologies which implements digital signal processing and interference generator by noise generation and generating complex interferences with a programmable structure thereby providing an independent two-channel reception, processing, and emission of the original radar signal based on DRFM technology. It has the capacity to instantaneously measure the received radar signals for panoramic radar signal detection in G-J range. DRFM technology is a broadband signal processing with real-time signal processing and programmable features and it implements recording and reproduction of the received radar signals.
ELT/568(V)2 Self Protection Jammer :

This jammer has evolved from collaboration between Russian MiG and Elettronica of Italy and it provides self defence from radar controlled anti-aircraft guns.
MiG 35 Positives Over Shenyang J15 Type Fighter Jet Used By Chinese Navy The Rival Of Indian Navy For Maritime Operations
In comparison to the likely adversary in the form of Chinese Naval Forces Fighter Jets Shenyang J15, which is a derivative of Su 33 type fighter jet ,MiG 35 exceeds Shenyang J15 in quite a few parameters . MiG 35 exceeds service ceiling of J15 by 500 meters, rate of climb by 84 m/s, maximum speed by 100 Kmph, thrust-to-weight ratio by 0.20 and maximum maneuverability by 2g. All these aerodynamic factors combined with the advantage of ZUKH-AE AESA radar ,advanced OLS and all-aspect thrust vectoring engines give MiG 35 a significant edge over the Shenyang J15 with regards to maritime operations.
MiG 35 Positives Over F16
MIG 35 exceeds F16 in highest speed at altitude by mach 0.25, combat radius by 450 Kms on internal fuel , service ceiling by 2260 meters, rate of climb is by 76 m/s, maximum maneuverability by 1g along with all-aspect thrust vectoring RD33MKV engine which gives MiG 35 unlimited angle of attack. All these aspects should be considered carefully before deciding to obtain an all-weather fighter jet.
Weapons:

MiG 35 is capable of launching all missiles launched by Mig 29 variants which include ,but is not limited to, R23, R27, R77 and R73 air-to-air missiles; KH-29T, KH-29L, KH-31P KH-31PK, KH-35E,Kh-35UE and KH-38MLE air-to-surface missiles; KAB-500L(laser guided bomb),KAB-500T (TV guided)& FAB-250, FAB-500, ZAB-500 guided and unguided bombs.
Acquiring a completely new aircraft in large numbers will call for absolutely new logistics support, maintenance nightmares for multiple fighter jets of varied make and up keeping of these newly acquired fighter jets to maintain proper percentage of availability to have effective deterrence with the newly commissioned fighter jet along with its compatible missiles and munitions. Indian Air Force have inducted substantial numbers of MiG 29 and is in the process of upgrading them and India Navy have already inducted a substantial number of MiG 29K variant ,so, MiG 35 being a ultra advanced 4++ generation variant of the same MiG series of fighter jets the ready feasibility for Indian Airforce and Navy would be to opt for MiG 35 for MMRCA and carrier based operations respectively along with TOT to manufacture it in India after a few of these have been inducted directly from Russia through Govt. to Govt contract.
https://newsandarguments.wordpress.com/2017/05/03/mig-35-the-new-formidable-challenger-in-the-skies/

Ab dobara Russi planes ke chakkar me nahi padna. If required we should only re-instate FGFA program to make russians happy.

 

[WolfPack86]

Too many F-16s on Earth: is Iraq looking at Russian MiG 29/35 fighter jets?
BAGHDAD, (BM) – According to reports from the Russian aeronautical information portal Avia Pro, Iraq is considering the acquisition of several Russian-made MiG-29 fighters, learned BulgarianMilitary.com citing the Italian news agency AnalisiDifese.

Citing local sources, the portal in question would have explained that the Iraqi Ministry of Defense is currently engaged in negotiations with the Russian counterpart for the purchase of new MiG-29s in order to replace the US-made F-16 fighters currently largely stopped. to the ground.


It is not specified which version of the Fulcrum would be the subject of the negotiations, if the MiG-29M / M2 in service with Egypt for a few years and recently ordered by the Algerian Air Force or if even the new MiG-35 (pictured above)

After ordering 24 F-16C block 52 plus 12 F-16D block 52 (in the two photos below) delivered between 2014 and 2017 and having lost two single-seaters, the Iraqi Air Force would have 34 F-16s on the card but according to information provided by local military sources and also reported by the US media at least half of this fleet would not be able to fly due to maintenance deficiencies.

This is not just a cost problem but the absence of American specialized personnel, military personnel and contractors of civilian companies hastily withdrawn from various bases in Iraq, including that of Balad where the F-16s are deployed, after the Iranian missile attacks that occurred after the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

Since then, many F-16s have reportedly been grounded due to lack of technical support and maintenance, and a senior Iraqi Air Force officer recently went as far as to claim that the Iraqi F-16 fleet is “almost non-existent”.

According to AviaPro “the possible acquisition of Russian MiG-29 fighters was considered exclusively by Iraqi military leaders, however, some experts believe that the sale of the same F-16s to other countries and the purchase of Russian fighters using the collected funds it could also prove beneficial to Baghdad.”

Read more: Dogfight! F-16 Fighting Falcon vs. MiG-29/35 Fulcrum – who is better?


An assessment that seems to reflect Russian aspirations to return to being the main suppliers of fighter jets to Iraq but which does not take into account the political and economic implications that would emerge in relations with the US if Baghdad took such an initiative.

Rumors have also been circulating for months that Iraq is also considering the purchase of S-300 or S-400 long-range ground-to-air defense systems, but at present no contract has been formalized. After all, it is very likely that in the event of any future purchases of Russian fighters and missiles, Iraq will still have to deal with the threat of sanctions from the United States.

Read more: MiG-35 Fulcrum-F – Russian multirole fighter [review]

Iraq may buy also Russian S-400 missile defense system

The Iraqi Parliament’s Security and Defense Committee will push the government to purchase Russian S-400 systems. Committee member Badr al-Ziyadi explained that a deal with Russia was needed to diversify sources of arms supplies as we reported on April 21 this year.

In the current conditions, the country’s leadership cannot rely solely on Western aid, according to parliament. True, the purchase issue itself is complicated by a whole range of factors, including the incomplete process of forming the Iraqi cabinet.


Al-Ziyadi said the topic of the acquisition of S-400 was raised in conversation with members of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (AF) of Iraq. Now he should be considered by the Prime Minister, to the post of which Mustafa al-Kadimi was nominated.

True, the politician who headed the National Intelligence Service has a different task now – to get approval and create a stable cabinet of ministers, which will not only not meet resistance from the Iraqi street, but will also arrange the main external players influencing the situation in the country. Thus, according to al-Ziyadi, the final decision on the S-400 can only be made after the new Iraqi government has been launched.

“Permission to acquire such complex systems requires a large financial allocation and a political decision,” al-Ziyadi admitted. “We cannot rely solely on the western camp – we need to lean toward the eastern camp.” Earlier, the parliamentarian complained that defense enterprises from the United States and Israel put pressure on the authorities in Baghdad so that they would not discuss the purchase of military equipment with other states.

“There are companies and businessmen who are trying to prevent Iraq from concluding contracts for the purchase of weapons in developed countries,” al-Ziyadi said. Nevertheless, the parliamentarian promised that the Iraqi leadership would still discuss arms deals not only with the Russian Federation, but also with China and Ukraine.

Read more: Top 5 best Russian fighter jets – 4++ and 5th generations

The US State Department publicly warned official Baghdad about the consequences of expanding military-technical cooperation (MTC) with Moscow and the possible conclusion of a deal on the S-400. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs Joey Hood said that the acquisition of air defense systems from Russia would lead to sanctions.


“So we advise our partners not to make such purchases,” the diplomat said then. The reason for such warnings at the beginning of this year was a publication in the Wall Street Journal, according to which Baghdad is conducting consultations with Moscow because of expectations that the military contingent of the international coalition led by the United States will leave Iraq completely.

The Russian side, in turn, argues that it is not afraid of the risk of imposing US sanctions in response to a possible sale of S-400 to Baghdad. “Americans are threatening sanctions to anyone who intends to develop military-technical cooperation,” said Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the Gaidar Forum. “This is not news, but a reflection of the policy pursued by Washington in order to implement its goal of dominating, eliminating economic competitors who offer partners in the international market products that meet their needs in terms of their parameters, price indicators. We are not afraid of these sanctions, we are ready to confront them.”

After cases of shelling of American targets in Iraq by Shiite militants became more frequent in recent months, the US Armed Forces command ordered the deployment of its own Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) in the republic. Interestingly, at the same time, an international coalition led by the United States decided to reduce its concentration at some key military facilities in Iraq, delegating responsibility to local security forces.

The Pentagon argues that this relocation process was planned in advance and was not associated with the threat of a new coronavirus or with military tension. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper assured that his country is still working in Iraq working to “contain Iran.”

Read more: Top 5 best fifth generation fighter jets in the World

“It should be borne in mind that the Iraqi Parliament’s Security and Defense Committee has interesting leaders who are determined to strengthen and strengthen the legislative base for intelligence, security training organizations, and the police,” the program coordinator of the Russian Council on Foreign Affairs told NG Ruslan Mammadov. “I think that in connection with the S-400 topic, some deputies have certain expectations: if the new Prime Minister approves this request now, he will be able to gain the confidence and votes of the members of the Security and Defense Committee. This is a serious internal history. Now for al-Kadimi every deputy counts. To approve the cabinet is not so simple.”

The expert does not believe that the issue of missile defense is the highest priority for Iraq, especially in the face of falling oil prices and the spread of a new type of coronavirus. “There are many other relevant topics for the political elite and for ordinary Iraqis,” Mammadov said. – There is a need for reforms, despite the fact that the country’s leadership is not yet ready for changes. The new elections, which may take place ahead of schedule, promise to show very interesting results, if only because changes were made to the law on parliamentary elections, and the very representation of political forces runs the risk of being slightly different than it was before.”

Nevertheless, the analyst says that the topic of S-400 has its relevance due to the fact that Iraq seeks to gain sovereignty. “In this regard, control over such systems would allow Iraqis to at least stop risks coming from third countries,” Mammadov said. True, in his opinion, it would be useful for the Russian leadership in a situation with the possible sale of S-400 to official Baghdad to take a wait and see attitude, because the political situation in Iraq has not yet stabilized.

Too many F-16s on Earth: is Iraq looking at Russian MiG 29/35 fighter jets?

According to reports from the Russian aeronautical information portal Avia Pro, Iraq is considering the acquisition of several Russian-made MiG-29 fighters, learned BulgarianMilitary.com citing the Italian news agency AnalisiDifese.

bulgarianmilitary.com

 

[HariPrasad-1]

Mig29 k of navy had issue but airforce is happy with mig29UPG upgrade . Upg comes with in-flight refueling better engine , better avionics and dare has developed d29 ew suite for it which is excellent . It's just old design which has run its course. Mwf will do same job with less expenses , less maintenance and much much less rcs.

Very correct. New generation fighters is not all about performance it is a model easy maintenance long operating life, low operating cost hi performance, best electronics etc.

 

[WolfPack86]

Iraq intends to buy a large batch of Russian MiG-29 fighters
Iraq is considering buying a large batch of Russian MiG-29 fighters.

Iraqi sources reported that the Iraqi Defense Ministry is engaged in discussions about purchasing Russian combat aircraft that will replace the non-repairable American F-16 fighters. The most profitable option, not inferior in power to American combat vehicles, is the MiG-29 fighter.

At the moment, the Iraqi Air Force is armed with 34 F-16 fighters, more than half of which cannot be used for military operations due to non-repairability. The reason for the undermining of Iraq's defenses was the withdrawal of the American military from the Balad airbase, and the Iraqi military technicians have neither the skills to repair American combat aircraft, nor spare parts for them. To date, the possible acquisition of Russian MiG-29 fighters is only being considered by the Iraqi military department, however, experts believe. that the sale of the same F-16s to other countries, and the purchase of Russian fighters with these funds, may even turn out to be beneficial for Baghdad.

It should be clarified that, among other things, Iraq is extremely interested in buying Russian air defense systems, in particular, earlier in Baghdad they actively discussed the issue of purchasing S-300 and even S-400 complexes, however, due to the fact that the country's parliament is actively lobbying for the promotion American weapons, the decision to purchase Russian air defense / missile defense systems was never made.

Iraq intends to buy a large batch of Russian MiG-29 fighters

Iraq is considering buying a large batch of Russian MiG-29 fighters

avia-pro.net

 

[WolfPack86]

Ukraine Air Force Receives Upgraded Soviet-era MiG-29
The Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant of Ukraine handed over an upgraded MiG-29 fighter to the country’s air force.

The state enterprise Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant, which is a part of Ukroboronprom, has overhauled the MiG-29, the main combat aircraft of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As part of the execution of the state defense order, the plant's specialists restored the aircraft's resource indicators. The planned works were performed in compliance with the terms stipulated in the contract.

The plane was fitted with overhauled engines and the latest avionics. The service life of the repaired MiG-29 is 8 years, with the possibility of its extension to 12 years, a Ukroboronprom release said.

“Despite the obstacles, we mobilized all resources and fulfilled our obligations in a timely manner." commitment to repair aircraft of the Armed Forces, "said Dmytro Matrunchyk, director of the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant.

The received aircraft is reported to be part of the MiG-29MU1/MU2 upgrade program which includes a satellite navigation system, a more powerful N019-19 radar, electronic defense system, an updatable threat database, as well as an electronic countermeasures system.

The upgraded aircraft will have enhanced capability to strike ground targets.

Defense World

View News at Defense World

www.defenseworld.net

 

[WolfPack86]

Peru, Myanmar, Bangladesh interested in purchasing MiG-35s
KUBINKA, August 22. /TASS/. Peru, Myanmar and Bangladesh are interested in the MiG-35 plane, and negotiations with representatives from these countries will be held at the Army-2017 military technical forum, CEO of the MiG aircraft corporation Ilya Tarasenko said on Tuesday in the Patriot Park, Moscow Region.

"We plan to discuss deliveries of MiG-35 planes. We have a lot of negotiations on the agenda. These are our usual regions: CIS, Southeast Asian countries, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Peru," he said.

Tarasenko noted that the talks are currently underway and the corporation expects them to be successful.

The MiG-35 is a 4++ generation multi-role fighter that was designed on the basis of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 aircraft. Flight tests for the MiG-35 started on January 26, and an international presentation of the plane was held on January 27 in the Moscow Region.

Peru, Myanmar, Bangladesh interested in purchasing MiG-35s

The talks are currently underway and the MiG aircraft corporation expects them to be successful

tass.com

 

[WolfPack86]

MiG-35 is frontrunner in Bangladesh Air Force tender: CAWAT
Su-35 and Su-30SM are also among the leading contenders.

The MiG-35 is the favourite to win the recently announced tender for 8 multi-role fighters for the Bangladesh Air Force, the official representative of the Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT) told RIA Novosti on Mar. 3.

Russia’s Su-35, MiG-35 and Su-30SM are the leading contenders in the tender, the CAWAT official said. The MiG-35 is the only Russian platform equipped with an active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar, he added.

The Bangladeshi Air Force already has Russian MiG-29S fighters in operation.

Russia also hopes that an Indian tender for the purchase of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) will be relaunched, and that India would consider buying the latest MiG-35 fighter jet.

The MiG-35, a 4++ generation multipurpose fighter, is an advanced version of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 combat aircraft. It is designed to destroy aircraft as well as moving and stationary ground and surface targets in any weather condition.

The MiG-35 was officially unveiled on Jan. 27 at the Lukhovitsy plant of RAC MiG, situated 140 km southeast of Moscow.

MiG-35 is frontrunner in Bangladesh Air Force tender: CAWAT

Su-35 and Su-30SM are also among the leading contenders.

www.rbth.com

 

[sorcerer]

MiG-35, the rejected fighter, will go into production - Air Data News (Airway)

Called by MiG Aircraft Corporation a generation 4++ multirole fighter, the MiG-35 is finally close to going into production in a pilot batch, the company said last week.


Musheg Baloyan, Director of the MiG-29M and MiG-35 programs, told TASS that the “MiG-35 is at the stage of state joint trials and a preliminary certificate has been obtained for launching the production of a pilot batch of the aircraft.”


Created from the MiG-29K/KUB and the MiG-29M/M2 models, the new fighter (NATO reporting name Fulcrum-F) is an aircraft capable of carrying out all-weather attacks and being a strong opponent in aerial combat.


The MiG-35 can be equipped with an AESA radar capable of tracking multiple targets while remaining resistant to electronic countermeasures, in addition to having a much greater range than previous Russian radar platforms.

MiG-35, the rejected fighter, will go into production - Air Data News

Called by MiG Aircraft Corporation a generation 4++ multirole fighter, the MiG-35 is finally close to going into production in a pilot batch, the company said

www.airway1.com

 

[HariPrasad-1]

MiG-35, the rejected fighter, will go into production - Air Data News (Airway)

Called by MiG Aircraft Corporation a generation 4++ multirole fighter, the MiG-35 is finally close to going into production in a pilot batch, the company said last week.


Musheg Baloyan, Director of the MiG-29M and MiG-35 programs, told TASS that the “MiG-35 is at the stage of state joint trials and a preliminary certificate has been obtained for launching the production of a pilot batch of the aircraft.”


Created from the MiG-29K/KUB and the MiG-29M/M2 models, the new fighter (NATO reporting name Fulcrum-F) is an aircraft capable of carrying out all-weather attacks and being a strong opponent in aerial combat.


The MiG-35 can be equipped with an AESA radar capable of tracking multiple targets while remaining resistant to electronic countermeasures, in addition to having a much greater range than previous Russian radar platforms.

MiG-35, the rejected fighter, will go into production - Air Data News

Called by MiG Aircraft Corporation a generation 4++ multirole fighter, the MiG-35 is finally close to going into production in a pilot batch, the company said

www.airway1.com

The most excellent description of Mig 29 I had ever seen was "It has a forth generation engineering with third generation electronics". Electronics has always been a problem with Russian planes. The philosophy around which it is build has become outdated. Unless Russia Reduces RCS, improves engine and weapons and put best electronics, Russian planes does not have a bright future.

 

[omaebakabaka]

The most excellent description of Mig 29 I had ever seen was "It has a forth generation engineering with third generation electronics". Electronics has always been a problem with Russian planes. The philosophy around which it is build has become outdated. Unless Russia Reduces RCS, improves engine and weapons and put best electronics, Russian planes does not have a bright future.

This is old news, I think their electronics are good enough now. They did fall back 90s and early 2ks but now they are functionally as good. May be they can do mig-35k for IN for IAC-1 and pitch that to us

 

[HariPrasad-1]

This is old news, I think their electronics are good enough now. They did fall back 90s and early 2ks but now they are functionally as good. May be they can do mig-35k for IN for IAC-1 and pitch that to us

One of the reason why we could not strike the SU 57 deal was the not best of electronics.

 

[omaebakabaka]

One of the reason why we could not strike the SU 57 deal was the not best of electronics.

I would call that BS considering how fundamental Russian science is....our population tends to dramaticize superficiality these days. We did well by exiting because we need to invest in our own like Tejas and its versions.