IAF to urgently procure 21 MiG 29s, 12 Su 30s
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is going ahead with plans to order 33 additional fighter jets from Russia, with the proposal expected to be taken up for clearances by the Ministry of Defence shortly. The government-to-government procurement has been in the works for more than a year and would add to the force’s depleting squadron strength.
The IAF is seeking to urgently procure 21 additional MiG 29 fighter jets from Russia to add to its three squadrons of the type already in service. These fighters, which include two trainers, are expected to be procured at a reasonable price as they have already been partially manufactured in Russia for a previous order that got cancelled.
Sources said additional MiGs would cost around Rs 5,000 crore and deliveries could start in a couple of years after the order is placed. These fighters, if ordered, would come handy to replace the ageing MiG 21 squadrons that are to retire within the next five years. Commercial negotiations have been on since last year to take the contract ahead and the offer would now need to be cleared by the defence ministry’s procurement body.
