MiG-29K marine version for Indian Navy
Posted by milind naikare | Posted in | Posted on 9:37 AM
Indian Navy As is well known, after 26/11 the Indian Navy (IN) was given the additional responsibility of coastal security. It is a common military principle that the “security of own base” is paramount. It is foolhardy to conduct distant blue water operations only to find that your unguarded base (eg, Mumbai) has been devastated by terrorists, or by a surprise enemy strike. Navy Day, on December 4, 2009, is an appropriate occasion to talk about the “blue water” requirements of the Navy.
According to sources, the formal ceremony to induct the MiG-29K fighter aircrafts would take place at INS Hansa, which is the Indian Navy's premier naval station.
And hence, the Indian Navy would join an elite club of navies across the world who have the MiG-29K fighter aircrafts in operation.
On the eve of the induction ceremony, Commander Theo Phillis of the newly formed squadron 303, has described the moment as a very special for the Indian Navy.
At present, India has another range of fighter aircrafts called the Sea Harrier in the Navy. So now, the Indian Navy would get a boost in its strength after the entry of the MIG-29 K combat aircrafts.
"In MiG-29K, the range of target detention is more. Though the Sea Harrier is still a capable aircraft, the MiG-29K is newer and better," he said.
"The MiG-29K is more easier and pleasant aircraft to fly," added Captain Surendra Ahuja, commanding officer (CO) of INS Hansa.
He also said that there are lot of differences between the MiG-29B (Bravo) and the MiG-29K. Currently, the Indian Air Force is using MiG-29B (Bravo) aircrafts.
MiG 29K is one of most potent fighters designed by the Mikoyan bureau. Apart from that the MiG-29K has air-to-air refuelling facility, which is not found in the MiG-29B fighter aircrafts.
According to sources, the new combat aircraft is 30 percent heavier than the old MiG-29 and is capable of fulfilling multiple roles. This latest fourth generation aircraft is also equipped with advanced features like anti-aircraft 'Beyond Visaul Range Missiles, guided Anti-Ship Missiles, 'smart' guided-bombs and rockets that are more lethal and better than the old MiG-29Ks.
The IAF's old MiG-29 fighter, which was inducted in the mid eighties, is a fourth generation air superiority figher, whereas the MiG-29K belongs to the fourth plus generation capable of a variety of roles.
The new combat aircraft is more than 30 percent heavier than the old MiG-29.The MiG-29 is equipped with anti-aircraft 'Beyond Visaul Range Missiles, guided Anti-Ship Missiles, 'smart' guided-bombs and rockets that are more lethal and better than the old MiG-29 K's armaments. There is 'Topsight-E' head-mounted display which can be very helpful for the pilot to shoot a target without turning the whole aircraft.
The new combat aircrafts can also be parked with folding wings and can be deployed on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya once it arrives in 2012.
According to an Indian Navy official, a total of 45 MiG-29Ks are to be inducted into its fleet soon.