Those 21 Mig-29s were needed

 Those 21 Mig-29s were needed 

By-Kartikeya Semwal 

IAF had signed a deal with the Russian Mig Consortium to purchase 21 Mig-29s to strengthen its air-defense capabilities and increase its number of fighter squadrons. But now that deal has been canceled keeping India’s MWF/Tejas Mk-2 in mind. But one thing that IAF failed to notice is that the 1st MWF won’t be inducted before 2026, which is far away for now and the 1st flying squadron of MWF/Tejas Mk-2 won’t appear before 2028-2029 which is way too long keeping IAF’s requirement and Chinese threat in mind. 

Mig-29 UPG of IAF
Some of the defense experts and analysts have expressed concern with inducting more Russian jets as they can be hacked into and crashed by China’s cyber force. But India has the ability to counter it by installing their own system computers and indigenous radar and EWS (electronic warfare system) on those Mig-29s. Those were also meant to be upgraded in terms of hardware and software. According to me, IAF has done a big mistake by canceling that deal and not acquiring those 21 Mig-29 jets, consequences of which might be seen in the near future. 

F/A-18 Super Hornet Block-3
Another thing that bothers me is late acquisition of 26 carrier-based jets by Indian Navy. We all know that Russian Mig-29Ks currently being used by Indian Navy have maintenance and spare-parts issues. Keeping that in mind, they should have already shortlisted and placed an order of Super Hornet Block-3 jets of Boeing. I mentioned this jet intentionally coz Rafel’s restriction is its lack of foldable wings due to which it won’t fit in our 3rd aircraft carrier INS Vishal and also on the current IAC-1 Vikrant. 

IAC-1-Vikrant

But that’s not the case with Super Hornets that come equipped with foldable wings. Not just that, they have more hardpoints and are powered by a more powerful engine that enables them to take-off with full weapons payload. My suggestion to the Indian Navy would be to occupy them ASAP. What do you think about both these issues? 


Comments

  1. RishikeshFebruary 13, 2022 at 1:35 AM

    The mig 29 k issues are carrier opearions related .... 45 go to the IAF AND stobar f18's should fill the gap for the navy.. rafales orderbook is so full that we cannot get them in our rqd time frames

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kartikeya SemwalApril 10, 2022 at 10:25 AM

      Thanks for commenting. Plz keep up the good work on my coming posts. The problem with Mig-29s is of maintenance & spare parts. If Russia allows us to license produce it's spares then our problem will be solved. Plus, Russia doesn't blackmails us unlike US. Though i too personally prefer that IN should go for Super Hornet's Block-3 & get atleast 6-8 growlers in them.

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