In the first of a two-part review of fighter aircraft in Russian service, Combat Aircraft looks at the MiGs. This opening section reveals how the era of the ‘classic’ MiG-29 ‘Fulcrum’ in Russia is nearing its end.
VER THE PAST five years the three remaining operational units of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) flying original MiG-29s — the regiments at Domna, Millerovo and Kursk — have all re-equipped with new Su-30SM fighters. Russia still flies around 100 MiG-29s, including the newer SMT variants, but most of these are assigned to three training bases at Privolzhsky (Astrakhan), Armavir and Kushchevskaya. In addition, there is a sole operational unit at Erebuni in Armenia, plus the Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatic team, which is based at the Kubinka demonstration center.
INDIAN UPGRADES
