NEW DELHI: In a major bid to give thrust to the country’s air power, India has signed an approximately Rs 1100 crore ($300 million) contract with Russian aircraft building companies to upgrade 125 MiG-21 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to defence sources, the contract was signed on March | and as per the terms of the MiG-21 fighter jets would be equipped with new flight instruments and advanced armaments and the first upgraded and modernized was expected to be ready for delivery after 29 months from the date of signing of the contact.
‘The sources said the contract also reserved the possibility of upgrading an additional 50 MiG21 fighter jets. According to reports emanating from defence quarters, the up gradation and monetization of the MiG2Is will most likely involve a complete ret of its avionics and weapon systems, which is expected to make it more than a match for the U.S. F16s sought by Pakistan and will also extend their life span well into the next century.
‘The first modernized MiG2193 prototype has already made its maiden flight in Russia. Intensive testing of two other warplanes is also said to have been completed.
Defence sources said that the MiG21, designed in the fifties and among the most ubiquitous and lethal war craft of its day, still boasts of being one of the most robust airframes in the world.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 20, 1996
