Why IAF Abandoned AL-31F Engine Upgrade Plan for MiG-27 'Bahadur', Leading to its Premature Retirement

The MiG-27, known as the 'Bahadur' in India, served a prominent but troubled role in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over three decades. Despite plans to extend its life and enhance its capabilities, including a proposal to re-engine the aircraft with the more powerful and reliable AL-31F, the IAF ultimately decided to retire the MiG-27 fleet prematurely.

Operational Challenges and the AL-31F Proposal​

Inducted in the mid-1980s, the MiG-27 was envisioned as a powerful ground-attack aircraft. However, its operational life was plagued by various issues, including the unreliable Tumansky R-29-B-300 engine. To address these concerns, the IAF considered re-engining the MiG-27s with the AL-31F, which powers the Su-30MKI.

A demonstration of a MiG-27 fitted with the AL-31F showed promising results, indicating improved performance and potentially extended service life. However, re-engining an entire fleet is a complex and costly undertaking. The financial outlay required, along with necessary modifications to the airframe and systems, proved to be a major deterrent.

Factors Leading to Retirement​

Beyond the engine issues, the MiG-27s suffered from poor build quality, including structural and systems-related issues that persisted despite mid-life upgrades. The overall reliability and airworthiness of the aircraft remained a concern.

Moreover, by the late 2010s, the IAF was undergoing a strategic shift towards modernizing its fleet with newer and more capable aircraft. Investments in platforms like the Su-30MKI, the indigenous HAL Tejas, and potential acquisitions of other advanced fighters took precedence over extending the life of older aircraft.

Even with a new engine, the MiG-27’s design limitations would have constrained its operational effectiveness in modern combat scenarios. The IAF sought platforms that offered greater versatility and technological sophistication.

 

[sanket]

Thats why Jaguar & Mirage Old jets have option to buy for IAF till in 2024.for maintaining modern reliable & capable fleet.

 

[PKPRS]

IAF never prematurely retire any jet unless it prematurely drops off from the sky and retire itself

 

[Anant]

The MiG-27, similar to the MiG-23, was also more difficult to maintain than the Jaguars or MiG-29s or Mirage 2000s. The variable-sweep wing might be better in flight, but as operators of aircraft such as the MiG-23, MiG-27, Panavia Tornado, F-14, and others have seen, they are something of a headache when it comes to maintenance.

Moreover, there were very few MiG-27s available that could be purchased as spares after the early 2010s.

 

[Kira]

IAF never prematurely retire any jet unless it prematurely drops off from the sky and retire itself

That is indeed an indigenous and ingenious way to retire aircraft by the IAF.

 

[Sandeep]

These jets were getting expensive to maintain and operate and its flight capabilities are outdated in modern warfare. In an emergency they can still be used to launch guided and unguided standard bombs if we had control of the skies or launched as a kamikaze strike jet.

 

[beencensured]

IAF never prematurely retire any jet unless it prematurely drops off from the sky and retire itself

IAF only wants MRFA and so retiring squadron strength drops and so they can press for new aircraft. Obviously, they are not waiting for replacement as they learned artificial famine from Brits.

 

[Ajath Shri]

It wasn't a good choice. Instead PANAVIA TORNADO could have been chosen . It was on offer.

 

[Arijit Dakshi]

MiG-27 was to serve as analogous to the American A-10 " Warthog" as a dedicated CAS tank buster accompanying the armoured formations.
Persistent engine issues, structural and performance issues of it's powerful cannon, inability to perform standoff targeting with smart munitions were the primary issues leading to it's early phaseout. In retrospect, the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot would have served the role better for the IAF, with its twin engines, heavy armour and a redesigned central cannon.

 

[Arijit Dakshi]

It wasn't a good choice. Instead PANAVIA TORNADO could have been chosen . It was on offer.

Tornado would have been an exorbitantly expensive option for the dedicated CAS role. The cheaper American A-10 was most suitable. Eventually, the IAF could have gone for the Russian equivalent Su-25.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Mig-27 and Jaguars were bad decisions to buy by our defence planners ! Now we should make 165+ Tejas-AF-MK-II powered by enhanced GE-414 (110+ KN) as new Bahadur of IAF as replacement of Mig-27 ! 169+ AMCA-MK-I should be made to replace Jaguars !

 

[R. Singh]

We should now make twin engine ORCA as Bahadur powered by GTRE+HAL+SAFRAN made 80+ KN engines ! And its airframe should be based on Rafale fighter !