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'US vs Iran': Can Iran’s MiG‑29 jets compete with US modern fighters?

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In a major move that could propel the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector, New Delhi has approved a multibillion-dollar deal to equip the Indian Navy and Indian Army with hundreds of supersonic cruise BrahMos missiles. India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday (Mar 1) signed five contracts worth INR 39,000 crore ($3 billion), which also included procurement of close-in weapon systems, high-power radars, and aero-engines for MiG-29 fighter planes. Watch to know more!

India's defence ministry signs contract worth $3 Bn for BrahMos missiles, radars & aero-engines

Recently, an air-to-air refuelling operations was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the Egyptian Air Force amid the ongoing BRIGHT STAR-23 Exercise. 
 
The exercise, which started on 27 August 2023, at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt, became a platform for strengthening strategic relations and enhancing defence co-operation among participating nations. 
 
In the video footage of the exercise, which was posted by news agency ANI on social media platform X, the IL-78 tanker can be seen refilling Rafale aircraft and MiG-29 mid-air.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | An IL-78 tanker of the Indian Air Force refuels Mig 29 M and Rafale fighters of the Egyptian Air Force as part of Ex Bright Star 23. IAF Mig 29 UPG also seen as part of this mission. <a href="https://t.co/53eZT4dFdd">pic.twitter.com/53eZT4dFdd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1701472339144421843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Final phase of Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23</h2>

On Monday, the IAF announced that Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 is in its final phase. 
 
The last phase, after a build-up to complex combined missions, will need the resources of all the participating forces.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-indian-air-force-pauses-training-exercise-rafale-fighter-jets-to-secure-delhi-airspace-633492">G20 summit: Indian Air Force pauses training exercise, Rafale fighter jets to secure Delhi airspace</a>

 
“Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Exercise Bright Star, where the Indian Air Force IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled fighter jets from the Egyptian Air Force,” the IAF stated. 
 
The participation of the IAF in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 marks its debut in the biennial multilateral tri-service event.

The exercises that took place this year involved air force contingents from different nations, which included the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar.

WATCH |&nbsp;Historic deal to jointly make jet engines for Indian Air Force cleared by US Congress

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As per reports, an essential role was played by the Indian Air Force contingent, which comprised five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft, in strengthening international bonds and executing joint operations. 
 
The exercise saw active participation of IAF's Garud Special Forces and Squadrons Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 in the exercise, said an IAF official, as per the report. 
 
Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 which is set to continue till 16 September 2023, has showcased the IAF's diplomatic role abroad and provided an opportunity for military collaboration. 
 
The involvement of the Indian Air Force in such international exercises is considered a vital step towards creating stronger relations between countries and ensuring co-operation in the defence sector.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Recently, an air-to-air refuelling operations was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the Egyptian Air Force amid the ongoing BRIGHT STAR-23 Exercise. The exercise, which started on 27 August 2023, at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt, became a platform for strengthening strategic relations and enhancing defence co-operation among participating nations.

Recently, an air-to-air refuelling operations was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the Egyptian Air Force amid the ongoing BRIGHT STAR-23 Exercise. The exercise, which started on 27 August 2023, at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt, became a platform for strengthening strategic relations and enhancing defence co-operation among participating nations. In the video footage of the exercise, which was posted by news agency ANI on social media platform X, the IL-78 tanker can be seen refilling Rafale aircraft and MiG-29 mid-air. #WATCH | An IL-78 tanker of the Indian Air Force refuels Mig 29 M and Rafale fighters of the Egyptian Air Force as part of Ex Bright Star 23. IAF Mig 29 UPG also seen as part of this mission. pic.twitter.com/53eZT4dFdd — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2023 × Final phase of Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 On Monday, the IAF announced that Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 is in its final phase. The last phase, after a build-up to complex combined missions, will need the resources of all the participating forces. ALSO READ | G20 summit: Indian Air Force pauses training exercise, Rafale fighter jets to secure Delhi airspace “Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Exercise Bright Star, where the Indian Air Force IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled fighter jets from the Egyptian Air Force,” the IAF stated. The participation of the IAF in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 marks its debut in the biennial multilateral tri-service event. The exercises that took place this year involved air force contingents from different nations, which included the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar. WATCH | Historic deal to jointly make jet engines for Indian Air Force cleared by US Congress As per reports, an essential role was played by the Indian Air Force contingent, which comprised five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft, in strengthening international bonds and executing joint operations. The exercise saw active participation of IAF's Garud Special Forces and Squadrons Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 in the exercise, said an IAF official, as per the report. Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 which is set to continue till 16 September 2023, has showcased the IAF's diplomatic role abroad and provided an opportunity for military collaboration. The involvement of the Indian Air Force in such international exercises is considered a vital step towards creating stronger relations between countries and ensuring co-operation in the defence sector. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | Indian Air Force refuels Egyptian Air Force's MIG 29, Rafale fighter jets mid-air

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger said on Friday (March 17) that his government has approved sending 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Heger said, "Slovak government just approved sending 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine! Promises must be kept and when Zelensky asked for more weapons, including fighter jets, I said we'll do our best. Glad others are doing the same. Military aid is to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself and the entire Europe against Russia."

Addressing a press conference, Heger also said that his government would deliver a Kub air defence system to Ukraine, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-send-ukraine-four-mig-29-fighter-jets-becomes-first-nato-nation-to-do-so-572727">Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so</a>

Slovakia is the second North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country to send warplanes to Ukraine. A day back, Poland said that it would send an initial batch of four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Slovak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Slovak</a> gov. just approved sending 13 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiG29s?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiG29s</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>! Promises must be kept&amp;when <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> asked for more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weapons?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weapons</a> incl. fighter jets, I said we’ll do our best. Glad others’re doing the same. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Military?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Military</a> aid’s🔑to ensure🇺🇦can defend itself&amp;the entire <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Europe</a> against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a>
— Eduard Heger (@eduardheger) <a href="https://twitter.com/eduardheger/status/1636656042057539584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to reporters, Polish President Andrzej Duda said, "In the coming days we will first transfer, if I remember correctly, four fully operational planes to Ukraine." Duda added that Poland currently has a dozen or so MiG planes that it inherited from the German Democratic Republic, which they are on the verge of sending to Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-the-war-in-ukraine-rages-on-will-2023-be-the-year-of-defence-companies-556570">Explained: As the war in Ukraine rages on, will 2023 be the year of defence companies?</a>

"These MiGs are still in service in Poland's air force. They're in their last years of operation but are still for the most part in full working order," the president said. He also pointed out that these MiGs are jets that Ukrainian pilots can operate today without any additional training, AFP further reported.&nbsp;

Reacting to Poland's decision, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson told the news agency that Kyiv was "grateful to our partners." 
 
"MiGs will not solve the tasks, we need F-16s. But MiGs will help to strengthen our capabilities indeed," air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-set-to-visit-russia-from-march-20-22-kremlin-confirms-572906">Xi set to visit Russia from March 20-22, Kremlin confirms</a>

Since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year, Ukraine has repeatedly asked its Western allies to send warplanes — although seeking primarily modern US-made F-16s — but so far no Western countries had committed to giving jets to Kyiv.

On Thursday, the US said it was informed about Poland's decision to send warplanes to the war-torn country. However, the White House said that Warsaw's move does not change Washington's decision against sending its warplanes to Ukraine.&nbsp;

"It doesn't change our calculus with regards to F16s," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Thursday.&nbsp;

<h2>Polish, Slovak jets sent to Ukraine will be destroyed: Kremlin</h2>

The Kremlin on Friday reacted to Poland and Slovak's decision to send warplanes to Ukraine. The Kremlin said that such fighter jets would be destroyed, and reiterated that Western arms deliveries to Kyiv would not change Moscow's military aims.

"The supply of this military equipment -- as we have repeatedly said -- will not change the outcome of the special military operation... Of course, all this equipment will be destroyed," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a press conference.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger said on Friday (March 17) that his government has approved sending 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Heger said, "Slovak government just approved sending 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine!

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger said on Friday (March 17) that his government has approved sending 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Heger said, "Slovak government just approved sending 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine! Promises must be kept and when Zelensky asked for more weapons, including fighter jets, I said we'll do our best. Glad others are doing the same. Military aid is to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself and the entire Europe against Russia." Addressing a press conference, Heger also said that his government would deliver a Kub air defence system to Ukraine, the news agency AFP reported. ALSO READ | Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so Slovakia is the second North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country to send warplanes to Ukraine. A day back, Poland said that it would send an initial batch of four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. #Slovak gov. just approved sending 13 #MiG29s to #Ukraine! Promises must be kept&when @ZelenskyyUa asked for more #weapons incl. fighter jets, I said we’ll do our best. Glad others’re doing the same. #Military aid’s🔑to ensure🇺🇦can defend itself&the entire #Europe against #Russia — Eduard Heger (@eduardheger) March 17, 2023 × Speaking to reporters, Polish President Andrzej Duda said, "In the coming days we will first transfer, if I remember correctly, four fully operational planes to Ukraine." Duda added that Poland currently has a dozen or so MiG planes that it inherited from the German Democratic Republic, which they are on the verge of sending to Ukraine. ALSO READ | Explained: As the war in Ukraine rages on, will 2023 be the year of defence companies? "These MiGs are still in service in Poland's air force. They're in their last years of operation but are still for the most part in full working order," the president said. He also pointed out that these MiGs are jets that Ukrainian pilots can operate today without any additional training, AFP further reported. Reacting to Poland's decision, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson told the news agency that Kyiv was "grateful to our partners." "MiGs will not solve the tasks, we need F-16s. But MiGs will help to strengthen our capabilities indeed," air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said. ALSO READ | Xi set to visit Russia from March 20-22, Kremlin confirms Since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year, Ukraine has repeatedly asked its Western allies to send warplanes — although seeking primarily modern US-made F-16s — but so far no Western countries had committed to giving jets to Kyiv. On Thursday, the US said it was informed about Poland's decision to send warplanes to the war-torn country. However, the White House said that Warsaw's move does not change Washington's decision against sending its warplanes to Ukraine. "It doesn't change our calculus with regards to F16s," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Thursday. Polish, Slovak jets sent to Ukraine will be destroyed: Kremlin The Kremlin on Friday reacted to Poland and Slovak's decision to send warplanes to Ukraine. The Kremlin said that such fighter jets would be destroyed, and reiterated that Western arms deliveries to Kyiv would not change Moscow's military aims. "The supply of this military equipment -- as we have repeatedly said -- will not change the outcome of the special military operation... Of course, all this equipment will be destroyed," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a press conference. (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.

After Poland, Slovakia to send 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine; Kremlin reacts

The Indian Air Force on Saturday displayed its aerial might by carrying out sorties in the Leh-Ladakh region near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India’s preparedness to protect its territory and uphold its territorial integrity was marked by sorties by C-17 Globemaster, Ilyushin-76 and Antonio-32 transport, along with the Apache and Chinook heavy-lift choppers.

India-China standoff: MiG 29, Chinook part of the operation in Ladakh

Russia is ready to deliver MiG-29 and SU30 MKI fighter jets in the shortest possible timeframe to India. This after it emerged that Indian air force plans to order over 30 fighter jets from Russia which will be a government to government deal and comes amidst the India China border tension.

Russia ready to deliver MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets to India

According to the Indian Navy, an MiG-29K aircraft crashed in South Goa's Dabolim area on Saturday after taking off for a training mission.

No casualties or injuries were reported and&nbsp;both the pilots managed to eject safely and timely.&nbsp;Captain M Sheokhand and Lt Commander Deepak Yadav were on board during the accident.

Additionally, according to the Navy, the model of MiG-29K involved in the crash was a training imprint of the actual fighter jet.

Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal tweeted, "The MiG-29K trainer aircraft suffered an engine fire. The pilots Captain M Sheokhand and Lt Commander Deepak Yadav ejected safely."

Goa Airport sources said that the Navy aircraft crashed in South Goa at around 12 noon, shortly after taking off from the Dabolim International Airport.

The aircraft witnessed a small mishap while in flight as a bird hit the plane and fire was spotted in the right engine. In the aftermath of this fire, the aircraft crashed in an open and safe area away from civilians. The Indian Navy added that there were no losses reported besides the aircraft.

Sources have told WION that the Moscow based Aerospace company, Mikoyan, which manufactures these aircraft&nbsp;has been&nbsp;informed about the incident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

According to the Indian Navy, an MiG-29K aircraft crashed in South Goa's Dabolim area on Saturday after taking off for a training mission. No casualties or injuries were reported and both the pilots managed to eject safely and timely.

According to the Indian Navy, an MiG-29K aircraft crashed in South Goa's Dabolim area on Saturday after taking off for a training mission. No casualties or injuries were reported and both the pilots managed to eject safely and timely. Captain M Sheokhand and Lt Commander Deepak Yadav were on board during the accident. Additionally, according to the Navy, the model of MiG-29K involved in the crash was a training imprint of the actual fighter jet. Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal tweeted, "The MiG-29K trainer aircraft suffered an engine fire. The pilots Captain M Sheokhand and Lt Commander Deepak Yadav ejected safely." Goa Airport sources said that the Navy aircraft crashed in South Goa at around 12 noon, shortly after taking off from the Dabolim International Airport. The aircraft witnessed a small mishap while in flight as a bird hit the plane and fire was spotted in the right engine. In the aftermath of this fire, the aircraft crashed in an open and safe area away from civilians. The Indian Navy added that there were no losses reported besides the aircraft. Sources have told WION that the Moscow based Aerospace company, Mikoyan, which manufactures these aircraft has been informed about the incident. (With inputs from ANI)

Goa: MiG-29K fighter aircraft crashes, both pilots eject safely

At a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is batting for indigenisation, the Force is planning to acquire the new 21 MiG-29 fighters from Russia and equip them with indigenous weapon systems such as the Astra air. 
 
"The proposal for the acquisition of 21 MiG-29s would be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council soon. The IAF wants the MiG-29s to be of the upgraded MiG-29s that are already in service," defence sources told ANI. 
 
"The IAF also wants that the aircraft should be equipped with the Indian weapon systems including the Astra missiles," they said. 
 
The sources said there are other indigenous equipment and weapons which would be integrated with the aircraft once the deal comes through. 
 
The MiG-29s now have a new airframe and had been lying unused in Russia. 
 
The push for promoting indigenous weapons has come at a time when IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria has made it clear that the force will fully back indigenisation efforts such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the fifth Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. 
 
The IAF had carried out a study to check if the airframes of the MiG-29s on offer were good enough for it to operate for a long time. 
 
MiG-29s are flown by the IAF and the pilots are familiar with it but the ones offered by the Russians are different from the ones in the Indian inventory. 
 
The Indian Navy also operates the MiG-29 'K' and is the only operator of this version of the plane. It is having a rough experience with the planes which are difficult to maintain and their settings change immediately after they land on the aircraft carrier. 
 
The IAF has three squadrons of the MiG-29s which have been undergoing upgrades for extended life and are considered to be very good planes in the air defence roles.

At a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is batting for indigenisation, the Force is planning to acquire the new 21 MiG-29 fighters from Russia and equip them with indigenous weapon systems such as the Astra air.

At a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is batting for indigenisation, the Force is planning to acquire the new 21 MiG-29 fighters from Russia and equip them with indigenous weapon systems such as the Astra air. "The proposal for the acquisition of 21 MiG-29s would be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council soon. The IAF wants the MiG-29s to be of the upgraded MiG-29s that are already in service," defence sources told ANI. "The IAF also wants that the aircraft should be equipped with the Indian weapon systems including the Astra missiles," they said. The sources said there are other indigenous equipment and weapons which would be integrated with the aircraft once the deal comes through. The MiG-29s now have a new airframe and had been lying unused in Russia. The push for promoting indigenous weapons has come at a time when IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria has made it clear that the force will fully back indigenisation efforts such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the fifth Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. The IAF had carried out a study to check if the airframes of the MiG-29s on offer were good enough for it to operate for a long time. MiG-29s are flown by the IAF and the pilots are familiar with it but the ones offered by the Russians are different from the ones in the Indian inventory. The Indian Navy also operates the MiG-29 'K' and is the only operator of this version of the plane. It is having a rough experience with the planes which are difficult to maintain and their settings change immediately after they land on the aircraft carrier. The IAF has three squadrons of the MiG-29s which have been undergoing upgrades for extended life and are considered to be very good planes in the air defence roles.

IAF wants new MiG-29s to be equipped with indigenous weapons

India Inducted its first MiG 29K in 2009 after a deal with Russia for the supply of naval version of a multi-role Fighter. The Indian Fleet of Sea Harrier was aging and needed an immediate replacement. The initial lot of 12 MiG 29K were delivered in 2009-10. Subsequently, India ordered more, and currently holding about 45 of these flying machines. India is the only country operating these aircrafts outside Russia.

&nbsp;

The aircrafts operate from two bases; &ldquo;INS Vikramaditya&rdquo; which got inducted into the Indian Navy in 2013 and INS Hansa which is a naval air base at Goa. Goa Airport is one of the many stations in India where civilian and military aircrafts use the same runway strip. The INS Hansa is an important naval base which holds 8 of the major naval air squadrons of India. It includes two squadrons of Mig 29K, few Mig 29KUB which are twin-seater trainer version of MiG 29K, one squadron of IL-38 anti-submarine aircraft, one each for HAL Chetak and Kamov 31AEW helicopters and two trainer squadrons. It is the base where navy pilots are trained in handling advanced naval aircrafts.

&nbsp;

Recent accident of MiG 29K at Goa is significant because it is the first accident of this aircraft since it was inducted 8 years back. Not only this, the twin-engine aircraft is considered extremely safe and, till date, only two accidents have been recorded in Russia. One was in 2011 when the aircraft was under testing and these kinds of crashes are not uncommon. The second one crashed into the Mediterranean Sea at the time of landing over Russian aircraft carrier &ldquo;Admiral Kuznetsov&rdquo;. This was when the aircraft was returning after successfully completing a mission over Syria and the primary reason was tearing off of the landing cable due to which the aircraft had to be in the air for more than the desired time frame.

&nbsp;

The single-seat variant made for India is different from the existing MiG 29 operated by the Indian Air Force and is, especially, developed for carrier-based operations. This supersonic fighter has a wing folding mechanism due to which it can be stored at an aircraft carrier in lesser space, resulting in the deployment of more number of aircrafts. This is a fourth generation aircraft and can operate in a range of about 1500 kilometres from the carrier. Hence, it can dominate the seas in a better way. It has advanced radars, advanced fly by wire avionics, electro-optical targeting system and can carry a load of over 5.5 tonnes to include a variety of armaments and equipment, making it an undisputed king of the high seas.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

So, what caused the accident of this machine which is considered quite safe?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Indian Navy has already launched a Court of Inquiry into the case and the exact reason will be known later but as of now the prima facia reason is that the aircraft skidded off the runway due to some technical error, caught the fire and, most importantly, a trainee pilot was flying the same.

&nbsp;

In my opinion, this accident happened because of human error. First, the aircraft was piloted by a trainee pilot with less experience in handling this machine. Second, the aircraft skidded off the runway in the initial takeoff effort, and this may be due to steering failure. Thus, there is a higher possibility of human failure than a mechanical one. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has lost over 70 military aircrafts, including helicopters and precious lives of 80 people in accidents since 2014, which is quite serious. While human error cannot be ignored in some of these cases, the mechanical failure constituted the reason of more than half of the failures.

&nbsp;

India operates a large inventory of aircrafts from various sources and, in some cases, integrated the technologies of different countries to make its own system. While spares and services are an issue, the aging fleet needs a complete revamp which the government should focus on.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The SU-30MKI, considered the most advanced fighter aircraft of the Indian airforce, was also inducted in 2002. 15 years have gone by but, as of now, we don&rsquo;t even have a replacement of our aging fleets of Jaguar, MiG 21s, MiG 29s and Mirage 2000. Buying expensive systems like Rafael will only give temporary relief. We have still not advanced enough in the direction of our indigenous multirole aircraft.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Surprisingly, India inducted its first indigenous supersonic aircraft (HAL HF-24 Marut) in 1967 and, since then, our own aircraft programme had been experiencing delays. At the time when Pakistan has already started exporting its J-17, HAL Tejas is not even fully operational and there are a lot of dark areas in its performance. Though DRDO tried to Indianise most of its parts, however, we are still looking at other countries, particularly, Israel and the USA for its critical parts like radar, avionics and engine. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

It will be shocking to you that the LCA program was conceived and approved by the government in 1983. Even after 35 years and an expenditure of over 11,000 crores, we don&rsquo;t have the operational aircraft in our hands.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The future of Indo-Russian Project of Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft is still not clear. While Russia already started inducting the system at its end, we have not moved ahead even an inch. The project is significantly delayed and gone into the abyss of uncertainty.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is high time that the government takes this matter seriously. Not only the indigenisation of our aircrafts but the training of pilots need special attention. India cannot afford to lose precious lives and war machines just like that.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has lost over 70 military aircrafts, including helicopters and precious lives of 80 people in accidents since 2014, which is quite serious.

India Inducted its first MiG 29K in 2009 after a deal with Russia for the supply of naval version of a multi-role Fighter. The Indian Fleet of Sea Harrier was aging and needed an immediate replacement. The initial lot of 12 MiG 29K were delivered in 2009-10. Subsequently, India ordered more, and currently holding about 45 of these flying machines. India is the only country operating these aircrafts outside Russia. The aircrafts operate from two bases; “INS Vikramaditya” which got inducted into the Indian Navy in 2013 and INS Hansa which is a naval air base at Goa. Goa Airport is one of the many stations in India where civilian and military aircrafts use the same runway strip. The INS Hansa is an important naval base which holds 8 of the major naval air squadrons of India. It includes two squadrons of Mig 29K, few Mig 29KUB which are twin-seater trainer version of MiG 29K, one squadron of IL-38 anti-submarine aircraft, one each for HAL Chetak and Kamov 31AEW helicopters and two trainer squadrons. It is the base where navy pilots are trained in handling advanced naval aircrafts. Recent accident of MiG 29K at Goa is significant because it is the first accident of this aircraft since it was inducted 8 years back. Not only this, the twin-engine aircraft is considered extremely safe and, till date, only two accidents have been recorded in Russia. One was in 2011 when the aircraft was under testing and these kinds of crashes are not uncommon. The second one crashed into the Mediterranean Sea at the time of landing over Russian aircraft carrier “Admiral Kuznetsov”. This was when the aircraft was returning after successfully completing a mission over Syria and the primary reason was tearing off of the landing cable due to which the aircraft had to be in the air for more than the desired time frame. The single-seat variant made for India is different from the existing MiG 29 operated by the Indian Air Force and is, especially, developed for carrier-based operations. This supersonic fighter has a wing folding mechanism due to which it can be stored at an aircraft carrier in lesser space, resulting in the deployment of more number of aircrafts. This is a fourth generation aircraft and can operate in a range of about 1500 kilometres from the carrier. Hence, it can dominate the seas in a better way. It has advanced radars, advanced fly by wire avionics, electro-optical targeting system and can carry a load of over 5.5 tonnes to include a variety of armaments and equipment, making it an undisputed king of the high seas. So, what caused the accident of this machine which is considered quite safe? The Indian Navy has already launched a Court of Inquiry into the case and the exact reason will be known later but as of now the prima facia reason is that the aircraft skidded off the runway due to some technical error, caught the fire and, most importantly, a trainee pilot was flying the same. In my opinion, this accident happened because of human error. First, the aircraft was piloted by a trainee pilot with less experience in handling this machine. Second, the aircraft skidded off the runway in the initial takeoff effort, and this may be due to steering failure. Thus, there is a higher possibility of human failure than a mechanical one. India has lost over 70 military aircrafts, including helicopters and precious lives of 80 people in accidents since 2014, which is quite serious. While human error cannot be ignored in some of these cases, the mechanical failure constituted the reason of more than half of the failures. India operates a large inventory of aircrafts from various sources and, in some cases, integrated the technologies of different countries to make its own system. While spares and services are an issue, the aging fleet needs a complete revamp which the government should focus on. The SU-30MKI, considered the most advanced fighter aircraft of the Indian airforce, was also inducted in 2002. 15 years have gone by but, as of now, we don’t even have a replacement of our aging fleets of Jaguar, MiG 21s, MiG 29s and Mirage 2000. Buying expensive systems like Rafael will only give temporary relief. We have still not advanced enough in the direction of our indigenous multirole aircraft. Surprisingly, India inducted its first indigenous supersonic aircraft (HAL HF-24 Marut) in 1967 and, since then, our own aircraft programme had been experiencing delays. At the time when Pakistan has already started exporting its J-17, HAL Tejas is not even fully operational and there are a lot of dark areas in its performance. Though DRDO tried to Indianise most of its parts, however, we are still looking at other countries, particularly, Israel and the USA for its critical parts like radar, avionics and engine. It will be shocking to you that the LCA program was conceived and approved by the government in 1983. Even after 35 years and an expenditure of over 11,000 crores, we don’t have the operational aircraft in our hands. The future of Indo-Russian Project of Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft is still not clear. While Russia already started inducting the system at its end, we have not moved ahead even an inch. The project is significantly delayed and gone into the abyss of uncertainty. It is high time that the government takes this matter seriously. Not only the indigenisation of our aircrafts but the training of pilots need special attention. India cannot afford to lose precious lives and war machines just like that. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: 'Made in India' aircrafts and better-trained pilots are crucial to avoid crashes

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