<p>India has deployed an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to address twin threats from Pakistan&nbsp;and China. The advanced capabilities of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets, their strategic positioning, and skilled pilots will be significant assets for safeguarding India's northern borders.</p>

<p>This move marks a strategic shift as the newly dubbed 'Defender of the North' squadron, also known as Tridents, replaces the MiG-21 squadron that historically guarded against Pakistani threats.</p>

<p>Indian Air Force squadron leader Vipul Sharma told ANI about the MiG-29's suitability for this purpose.&nbsp;"Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfills all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking on the enemies on both fronts," the pilot said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>MiG-29 over MiG-21</strong></h2>

<p>The MiG-29 offers significant advantages over the MiG-21, which had effectively safeguarded the Kashmir valley for years and notably shot down an F-16 in 2019 following the Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist installations.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brics-summit-russian-envoy-babushkin-advocates-trading-in-national-currencies-624722">Ahead of BRICS summit, Russian envoy Babushkin advocates trading in national currencies</a></p>

<p>Enhanced with long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles post-upgrades, the MiG-29 has been armed with potent weaponry through the government's emergency procurement powers.</p>

<p>"The fighter aircraft have also been provided with the capability to jam the enemy aircraft's capabilities during times of conflict,"&nbsp;officials said, reported ANI.</p>

<h2><strong>Night operations</strong></h2>

<p>Squadron leader Shivam Rana reportedly said that the upgraded MiG-29s can operate with night vision goggles, boasting extended range capabilities due to air-to-air refuelling capacity.</p>

<p>Notably, the aircraft now incorporates air-to-ground armaments, a new addition.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-indian-govt-proposes-revamp-of-colonial-era-laws-heres-what-will-change-624710">Indian govt proposes revamp of colonial-era laws, here’s what will change</a></p>

<p>"We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft," pilot Rana said.</p>

<h2><strong>Deployment&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The MiG-29s were deployed to the Srinagar air base in January this year and have since conducted extensive flights across the Kashmir valley and the Ladakh sector. They stand poised to swiftly respond to any attempted airspace violations by China.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | No-Confidence Motion: PM Modi's NDA government wins trust vote in Parliament&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Post the Galwan clash of 2020, the MiG-29s were the inaugural aircraft deployed in the Ladakh sector to counter potential threats from the Chinese side. Their presence has effectively thwarted multiple such attempts.</p>

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India has deployed an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to address twin threats from Pakistan and China. The advanced capabilities of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets, their strategic positioning, and skilled pilots will be significant assets for safeguarding India's northern borders.

India has deployed an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to address twin threats from Pakistan and China. The advanced capabilities of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets, their strategic positioning, and skilled pilots will be significant assets for safeguarding India's northern borders. This move marks a strategic shift as the newly dubbed 'Defender of the North' squadron, also known as Tridents, replaces the MiG-21 squadron that historically guarded against Pakistani threats. Indian Air Force squadron leader Vipul Sharma told ANI about the MiG-29's suitability for this purpose. "Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfills all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking on the enemies on both fronts," the pilot said. MiG-29 over MiG-21 The MiG-29 offers significant advantages over the MiG-21, which had effectively safeguarded the Kashmir valley for years and notably shot down an F-16 in 2019 following the Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist installations. Also Read | Ahead of BRICS summit, Russian envoy Babushkin advocates trading in national currencies Enhanced with long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles post-upgrades, the MiG-29 has been armed with potent weaponry through the government's emergency procurement powers. "The fighter aircraft have also been provided with the capability to jam the enemy aircraft's capabilities during times of conflict," officials said, reported ANI. Night operations Squadron leader Shivam Rana reportedly said that the upgraded MiG-29s can operate with night vision goggles, boasting extended range capabilities due to air-to-air refuelling capacity. Notably, the aircraft now incorporates air-to-ground armaments, a new addition. Also Read | Indian govt proposes revamp of colonial-era laws, here’s what will change "We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft," pilot Rana said. Deployment The MiG-29s were deployed to the Srinagar air base in January this year and have since conducted extensive flights across the Kashmir valley and the Ladakh sector. They stand poised to swiftly respond to any attempted airspace violations by China. WATCH | No-Confidence Motion: PM Modi's NDA government wins trust vote in Parliament × Post the Galwan clash of 2020, the MiG-29s were the inaugural aircraft deployed in the Ladakh sector to counter potential threats from the Chinese side. Their presence has effectively thwarted multiple such attempts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India deploys upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets in Srinagar to secure skies against Pakistan, China

<p>Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war. With this announcement, Poland becomes the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country to do so after Ukraine's persistent requests of supplying warplanes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duda said that Poland has around a dozen of MIGs that it got in the 90s when the aircraft were handed down from the German Democratic Republic. He mentioned that the jets are functional and play a part in the defence of the nation's airspace. He agreed that the fighter jets are at the end of their operational life but insisted that they are "still functional."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-faceoffs-here-are-the-worst-confrontations-between-two-top-global-powers-in-recent-times-572548">Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Duda told a news conference: "Firstly, literally within the next few days, we will hand over, as far as I remember, four aircraft to Ukraine in full working order. The rest are being prepared, serviced."&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In the coming days we will hand over four planes to the Ukraine, the remaining machines are being serviced and prepared for handover. We will replace them with deliveries of South Korean FA-50s and American F-35s,” the Polish president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pentagon releases 40-second declassified video of Russian jet crashing into US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Duda said that Poland had roughly 10-20 MiG 29 jets. The ones transferred to war-torn Ukraine will be replaced at home with South Korean FA-50 planes bought by Poland, followed by American F-35s. Poland has also sent 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak had also said that the nation wanted to transfer MiG-29 planes to Ukraine "within the framework of a larger coalition of countries". On being quizzed about the nations in this coalition, Blaszczak mentioned Slovakia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he noted that "of course, we are open to others," and added that "we absolutely want to conduct our activity within the framework of a coalition."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war.

Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war. With this announcement, Poland becomes the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country to do so after Ukraine's persistent requests of supplying warplanes. Duda said that Poland has around a dozen of MIGs that it got in the 90s when the aircraft were handed down from the German Democratic Republic. He mentioned that the jets are functional and play a part in the defence of the nation's airspace. He agreed that the fighter jets are at the end of their operational life but insisted that they are "still functional." ALSO READ | Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs Duda told a news conference: "Firstly, literally within the next few days, we will hand over, as far as I remember, four aircraft to Ukraine in full working order. The rest are being prepared, serviced." “In the coming days we will hand over four planes to the Ukraine, the remaining machines are being serviced and prepared for handover. We will replace them with deliveries of South Korean FA-50s and American F-35s,” the Polish president said. WATCH | Pentagon releases 40-second declassified video of Russian jet crashing into US drone × Duda said that Poland had roughly 10-20 MiG 29 jets. The ones transferred to war-torn Ukraine will be replaced at home with South Korean FA-50 planes bought by Poland, followed by American F-35s. Poland has also sent 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak had also said that the nation wanted to transfer MiG-29 planes to Ukraine "within the framework of a larger coalition of countries". On being quizzed about the nations in this coalition, Blaszczak mentioned Slovakia. However, he noted that "of course, we are open to others," and added that "we absolutely want to conduct our activity within the framework of a coalition." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so

<p>The India Air Force's beast -- MiG-29 - has gained in strength and ferocity after an upgrade, giving the force which is battling a shortage of fighter aircraft a much-needed boost, according to officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian origin aircraft, now capable of effecting mid-air refuelling, is compatible with latest missiles and can launch multi-dimensional attacks, Flight Lieutenant Karan Kohli, who is deployed at Adampur Air Force Station, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even in the previous 'legacy version', the aircraft played an important role as the Indian Air Force stamped its supremacy over the Pakistani force during the Kargil War of 1999.</p>

<p>Last week, the upgraded MiG-29 showcased its combat capabilities at Admapur Air Force Station. The country will celebrate the Air Force day on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With the upgrade, as compared to previous 'legacy version' of the MiG-29 bought under emergency clause in early 1980s, the fighter jets are capable to give befitting response," said an official, requesting anonymity, when asked about any possible two-front war with China and Pakistan.<br />
Kohli said that upgraded MiG-29 also has Multi-Functional Display (MFD) screen.</p>

<p>On September 12, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa had said the force was reeling under a severe shortage of fighter aircraft. The IAF chief had said the force currently has 31 squadrons of fighter jets against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries," he had said.</p>

<p>The strategically important Adampur Air Force Station, which is around 100 kms from Pakistan and 250 km away from China borders, is now equipped with upgraded MiG-29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Air Force (IAF) has three squadrons of MiG-29 fighter jets in operation, two of them at the Adampur Air Force Station. One squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft.</p>

<p>Kohli said that the force now has a combat aircraft which is flexible and can manoeuvre every situation so that IAF pilots can change their position and strike the enemy.</p>

<p>He also said that the fighter plane has the capability of taking off vertically,which has "increased the IAF's power a lot".</p>

<p>The upgraded MiG-29 aircraft can take off within five minutes of spotting a hostile jet trying to enter the Indian airspace and destroy it, he said.</p>

<p>"With air-to-air refuelling feature, upgraded MiG 29 can cover larger distance as compared to the previous legacy aircraft and destroy the enemy," said another IAF officer, who did not wish to be named, on the two-front war possibility.</p>

<p>"With the upgraded version, the range of aircraft has improved a lot. Moreover, in the legacy aircraft, we were restricted to the certain dimension, but we can now do air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-shipping operation," said a pilot who flies MiG aircraft.</p>

<p>The upgraded MiG-29 has all latest features, including a glass cockpit having digital screens. Old instruments in the legacy version of MiG 29 have been replaced with modern ones, Kohli added.</p>

<p>In the 1999 Kargil War, the Adampur station played an important role in destroying enemy fortifications located at heights of 15,000 feet and above. In the</p>

<p>1971 war also, the Adampur base was an operationally dynamic base for the air campaign against Pakistan.</p>

<p>In the 1965 Indo-Pak war too, Adampur proved to be nemesis for the Pakistani misadventures as several squadrons inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.</p>


The India Air Force's beast -- MiG-29 - has gained in strength and ferocity after an upgrade, giving the force which is battling a shortage of fighter aircraft a much-needed boost, according to officials.

The India Air Force's beast -- MiG-29 - has gained in strength and ferocity after an upgrade, giving the force which is battling a shortage of fighter aircraft a much-needed boost, according to officials. The Russian origin aircraft, now capable of effecting mid-air refuelling, is compatible with latest missiles and can launch multi-dimensional attacks, Flight Lieutenant Karan Kohli, who is deployed at Adampur Air Force Station, said. Even in the previous 'legacy version', the aircraft played an important role as the Indian Air Force stamped its supremacy over the Pakistani force during the Kargil War of 1999. Last week, the upgraded MiG-29 showcased its combat capabilities at Admapur Air Force Station. The country will celebrate the Air Force day on Monday. "With the upgrade, as compared to previous 'legacy version' of the MiG-29 bought under emergency clause in early 1980s, the fighter jets are capable to give befitting response," said an official, requesting anonymity, when asked about any possible two-front war with China and Pakistan. Kohli said that upgraded MiG-29 also has Multi-Functional Display (MFD) screen. On September 12, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa had said the force was reeling under a severe shortage of fighter aircraft. The IAF chief had said the force currently has 31 squadrons of fighter jets against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. "Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries," he had said. The strategically important Adampur Air Force Station, which is around 100 kms from Pakistan and 250 km away from China borders, is now equipped with upgraded MiG-29. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has three squadrons of MiG-29 fighter jets in operation, two of them at the Adampur Air Force Station. One squadron comprises 16-18 aircraft. Kohli said that the force now has a combat aircraft which is flexible and can manoeuvre every situation so that IAF pilots can change their position and strike the enemy. He also said that the fighter plane has the capability of taking off vertically,which has "increased the IAF's power a lot". The upgraded MiG-29 aircraft can take off within five minutes of spotting a hostile jet trying to enter the Indian airspace and destroy it, he said. "With air-to-air refuelling feature, upgraded MiG 29 can cover larger distance as compared to the previous legacy aircraft and destroy the enemy," said another IAF officer, who did not wish to be named, on the two-front war possibility. "With the upgraded version, the range of aircraft has improved a lot. Moreover, in the legacy aircraft, we were restricted to the certain dimension, but we can now do air-to-air, air-to-ground and anti-shipping operation," said a pilot who flies MiG aircraft. The upgraded MiG-29 has all latest features, including a glass cockpit having digital screens. Old instruments in the legacy version of MiG 29 have been replaced with modern ones, Kohli added. In the 1999 Kargil War, the Adampur station played an important role in destroying enemy fortifications located at heights of 15,000 feet and above. In the 1971 war also, the Adampur base was an operationally dynamic base for the air campaign against Pakistan. In the 1965 Indo-Pak war too, Adampur proved to be nemesis for the Pakistani misadventures as several squadrons inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

Air Force Day: MiG-29 gets upgrade; gains in lethality, ferocity

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India deploys upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets in Srinagar to secure skies against Pakistan, China

Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so

Air Force Day: MiG-29 gets upgrade; gains in lethality, ferocity