The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking to enhance the operational capabilities of its MiG-29 fighter aircraft by equipping them with stand-off ground attack weapons and upgrading the associated avionics and control systems.
An initial batch of 24 MiG-29s will be modified to carry the High Speed Low Drag (HSLD) Mark-II stand-off weapon, which boasts a strike range exceeding 180 kilometers. This upgrade will necessitate the integration of additional hardware and software into the aircraft.
Stand-off weapons, such as missiles or bombs, are launched from a safe distance, allowing the attacking aircraft to evade enemy retaliation. These weapons are primarily used against surface targets and are often precision-guided.
The Ministry of Defence has issued a request for proposal, inviting industrial partners to undertake the project under the supervision of the IAF's No. 11 Base Repair Depot. The IAF aims to indigenously produce HSLD Mk-II missiles, which are already deployed on Su-30 and Jaguar fighters.
Modifying the MiG-29 for HSLD integration will involve designing and incorporating suitable bomb racks on external hardpoints, as well as developing an avionics and software package along with necessary cables and rigs.
Currently, the IAF operates around 66 Soviet/Russian-origin MiG-29 fighters across three squadrons. The Navy also has 35 MiG-29s in its fleet air arm. The IAF's MiG-29 upgrade could potentially benefit the Navy as well.
In the past, the IAF's MiG-29s underwent extensive modifications and upgrades, resulting in the MiG-29 UPG variant with enhanced combat capabilities, including new avionics, radar, missiles, weapon control systems, and an electronic warfare suite.
The IAF is also planning a second life extension program for the MiG-29 fleet, extending their service life from 40 to 50 years. The enhanced technical life of these aircraft will start expiring from 2025 onwards.
The MiG-29s have played crucial roles in past conflicts, including the 1999 Kargil War and the 2020 Ladakh standoff.
Additionally, India is reportedly procuring 21 more MiG-29s from Russia to replace earlier losses and establish another squadron.
