Mikoyan MiG-29
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The Mikoyan MiG-29 (Template:Langx; NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) is a twin-engine fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union. Developed by the Mikoyan design bureau as an air superiority fighter during the 1970s, the MiG-29, along with the larger Sukhoi Su-27, was developed to counter U.S. fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.Template:Sfn The MiG-29 entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1983.
While originally oriented towards combat against any enemy aircraft, many MiG-29s have been furnished as multirole fighters capable of performing a number of different operations, and are commonly outfitted to use a range of air-to-surface armaments and precision munitions. The MiG-29 has been manufactured in several major variants, including the multirole Mikoyan MiG-29M and the navalised Mikoyan MiG-29K; the most advanced member of the family to date is the Mikoyan MiG-35. Later models frequently feature improved engines, glass cockpits with HOTAS ("hands-on-throttle-and-stick")-compatible flight controls, modern radar and infrared search and track (IRST) sensors, and considerably increased fuel capacity; some aircraft have also been equipped for aerial refueling.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the militaries of multiple ex-Soviet republics have continued to operate the MiG-29, the largest of them being the Russian Aerospace Forces. The Russian Aerospace Forces wanted to upgrade its existing fleet to the modernised MiG-29SMT configuration, but financial difficulties have limited deliveries. The MiG-29 has also been a popular export aircraft; more than 30 nations either operate or have operated the aircraft. Template:As of Flight Global estimates that 809 MiG-29s, of all types, are in service with air forces, making it the 5th most common active fighter.<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p. 10.</ref>
Development
Origins
In the mid-1960s, the United States Air Force (USAF) encountered difficulties over the skies of Vietnam. Supersonic fighter bombers that had been optimized for low altitude bombing, like the F-105 Thunderchief, were found to be vulnerable to older MiG-17s and more advanced MiGs which were much more maneuverable.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In order to regain limited air superiority, the US refocused on air combat using the F-4 Phantom multirole fighter, while the Soviet Union developed the MiG-23 in response. Towards the end of the 1960s, the USAF started the "F-X" program to produce a fighter dedicated to air superiority, which led to the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle being ordered for production in late 1969.<ref name=Jenkins_p9-11>Jenkins 1998, pp. 9–11.</ref>
At the height of the Cold War, a Soviet response was necessary to avoid the possibility of the Americans gaining a serious technological advantage over the Soviets, thus the development of a new air superiority fighter became a priority.Template:Sfn In 1969, the Soviet General Staff issued a requirement for a Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel (PFI, roughly "Advanced Frontline Fighter").<ref name=Spick_488_513>Spick 2000, pp. 488–89, 512–13.</ref> Specifications were extremely ambitious, calling for long range, good short-field performance (including the ability to use austere runways), excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The Russian aerodynamics institute TsAGI worked in collaboration with the Sukhoi design bureau on the aircraft's aerodynamics.<ref name=Spick_488_513/>
By 1971, however, Soviet studies determined the need for different types of fighters. The PFI program was supplemented with the Perspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel (LPFI, or "Advanced Lightweight Tactical Fighter") program; the Soviet fighter force was planned to be approximately 33% PFI and 67% LPFI.Template:Sfn PFI and LPFI paralleled the USAF's decision that created the "Lightweight Fighter" program and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and Northrop YF-17.<ref>Correll, John T. "The Reformers." Air Force Magazine Online, February 2008, pp. 7–9. Template:Webarchive</ref> The PFI fighter was assigned to Sukhoi, resulting in the Sukhoi Su-27, while the lightweight fighter went to Mikoyan. Detailed design work on the resultant Mikoyan Product 9, designated MiG-29A, began in 1974, with the first flight taking place on 6 October 1977. The pre-production aircraft was first spotted by United States reconnaissance satellites in November of that year; it was dubbed Ram-L because it was observed at the Zhukovsky flight test center near the town of Ramenskoye.<ref name= "wapj36 p110-1">Lake World Air Power Journal Volume 36 Spring 1999, pp. 110–11.</ref><ref name="jawa93 p238">Lambert 1993, p. 238.</ref>
The workload split between TPFI and LPFI became more apparent as the MiG-29 filtered into frontline service with the Soviet Air Forces (Russian: Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily [VVS]) in the mid-1980s. While the heavy, long range Su-27 was tasked with the more exotic and dangerous role of deep air-to-air sweeps of NATO high-value assets, the smaller MiG-29 directly replaced the MiG-23 in the frontal aviation role.
Introduction and improvements
In the West, the new fighter was given the NATO reporting name "Fulcrum-A" because the pre-production MiG-29A, which should have logically received this designation, remained unknown in the West at that time. The Soviet Union did not assign official names to most of its aircraft, although nicknames were common. Unusually, some Soviet pilots found the MiG-29's NATO reporting name, "Fulcrum", to be a flattering description of the aircraft's intended purpose, and it is sometimes unofficially used in Russian service.<ref name= zuyev_fulcrum>Zuyev, A. and Malcolm McConnell. Fulcrum: A Top Gun Pilot's Escape from the Soviet Empire. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: Warner Books, 1993. Template:ISBN.</ref>
The MiG-29 was widely exported in downgraded versions, known as MiG-29 9-12A for Warsaw Pact and MiG-29 9-12B for non-Warsaw Pact nations,Template:Sfn with less capable avionics and no capability for delivering nuclear weapons.
In the 1980s, Mikoyan developed the improved MiG-29S to use longer range R-27E air-to-air missiles. It added a dorsal 'hump' to the upper fuselage to house a jamming system and some additional fuel capacity. The weapons load was increased to Template:Convert with airframe strengthening. These features were included in new-built fighters and upgrades to older MiG-29s.Template:Sfn<ref>Eden 2004, pp. 310–321.</ref>
Refined versions of the MiG-29 with improved avionics were fielded by the Soviet Union, but Mikoyan's multirole variants, including a carrier-based version designated MiG-29K, were never produced in large numbers. Development of the MiG-29K carrier version was suspended for over a decade before being resumed; the type went into service with the Indian Navy's INS Vikramaditya, and Russian Navy's Admiral Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier.Template:Citation needed Mikoyan also developed improved versions MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>Template:Sfn
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There have been several upgrade programmes conducted for the MiG-29. Common upgrades include the adoption of standard-compatible avionics, service life extensions to 4,000 flight hours, safety enhancements, greater combat capabilities and reliability.Template:Citation needed
Replacement
On 11 December 2013, Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin revealed that Russia was planning to build a new fighter to replace the MiG-29. The Sukhoi Su-27 and its derivatives were to be replaced by the Sukhoi Su-57, but a different design was needed to directly replace the lighter MiGs. A previous attempt to develop a MiG-29 replacement, the MiG 1.44 demonstrator, failed in the 1990s.Template:Citation needed The concept came up again in 2001 with interest from India, but they later opted for a variant of the Su-57. Air Force commanders have hinted at the possibility of a single-engine airframe that uses the Su-57's engine, radar, and weapons primarily for Russian service.<ref>"Russia considers funding MiG-29 successor" Template:Webarchive - Flightglobal.com, 11 December 2013</ref> This has since been revealed to be the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate. Meanwhile, in Russian service, the MiG-29 has been largely replaced by the Sukhoi Su-30SM, representing a loss in market share of the MiG-29 series to the Sukhoi heavier platforms.Template:Citation needed
Design
Sharing its origins in the original PFI requirements issued by TsAGI, the MiG-29 has broad aerodynamic similarities to the Sukhoi Su-27, but with some notable differences. The MiG-29 has a mid-mounted swept wing with blended leading-edge root extensions (LERXs) swept at around 40°; there are swept tailplanes and two vertical fins, mounted on booms outboard of the engines. Automatic slats are mounted on the leading edges of the wings; they are four-segment on early models and five-segment on some later variants. On the trailing edge, there are maneuvering flaps and wingtip ailerons.<ref name="books.google.com.eg">Template:Cite book</ref>
The MiG-29 has hydraulic controls and a SAU-451 three-axis autopilot but, unlike the Su-27, no fly-by-wire control system. Nonetheless, it is very agile, with excellent instantaneous and sustained turn performance, high-alpha capability, and a general resistance to spins. The airframe consists primarily of aluminum with some composite materials,Template:Sfn and is stressed for up to 9 g (88 m/s²) maneuvers. The controls have "soft" limiters to prevent the pilot from exceeding g and alpha limits, but the limiters can be disabled manually.<ref name= "books.google.com.eg"/>
Powerplant, performance and range
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The MiG-29 has two widely spaced Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines, each rated at Template:Convert dry and Template:Convert in afterburner. The space between the engines generates lift, thereby reducing effective wing loading, hence improving maneuverability. The engines are fed through intake ramps fitted under the leading-edge extensions (LERXs), which have variable ramps to allow high-Mach speeds. Due to their relatively short combustor, the engines produce noticeably heavier smoke than their contemporaries. As an adaptation to rough-field operations, the main air inlet can be closed completely and the auxiliary air inlet on the upper fuselage can be used for takeoff, landing and low-altitude flying, preventing ingestion of ground debris. Thereby the engines receive air through louvers on the LERXs which open automatically when intakes are closed. However the latest variant of the family, the MiG-35, eliminated these dorsal louvers, and adopted the mesh screens design in the main intakes, similar to those fitted to the Su-27.<ref>Lake 1987, p. 94.</ref>
The MiG-29 has a ferry range of Template:Convert without external fuel tanks, and Template:Convert with external tanks.<ref name="airforce-technology.com">Template:Cite web</ref> The internal fuel capacity of the original MiG-29 (Fulcrum-A) is Template:Convert distributed between six internal fuel tanks, four in the fuselage and one in each wing.Template:Sfn The internal fuel capacity of the MiG-29 (Fulcrum-C) is Template:Convert due to a larger #1 fuselage tank.Template:Sfn For longer flights, this can be supplemented by a Template:Convert centreline drop tank on the Fulcrum-A and two Template:Convert underwing drop tanks on later production batches. In addition, newer models have been fitted with port-side inflight refueling probes, allowing much longer flight times by using a probe-and-drogue system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Cockpit
The cockpit features a conventional centre stick and left hand throttle controls. The pilot sits in a Zvezda K-36DM ejection seat.
The cockpit has conventional dials, with a head-up display (HUD) and a Shchel-3UM helmet mounted display, but no HOTAS capability. Emphasis seems to have been placed on making the cockpit similar to the earlier MiG-23 and other Soviet aircraft for ease of conversion, rather than on ergonomics. Nonetheless, the MiG-29 does have substantially better visibility than most previous Soviet jet fighters, thanks to a high-mounted bubble canopy. Upgraded models introduce "glass cockpits" with modern liquid-crystal (LCD) multi-function displays (MFDs) and true HOTAS.Template:Citation needed
Sensors
The baseline MiG-29 9.12 has a Phazotron RLPK-29 radar fire control system which includes the Template:AnchorN019 Sapfir 29 look-down/shoot-down coherent pulse-Doppler radar and the Ts100.02-02 digital computer.Template:Sfn
The N019 radar was not a new design, but rather a development of the Sapfir-23ML architecture used on the MiG-23ML. During the initial design specification period in the mid-1970s, Phazotron NIIR was tasked with producing a modern radar for the MiG-29. To speed development, Phazotron based its new design on work undertaken by NPO Istok on the experimental "Soyuz" radar program. Accordingly, the N019 was originally intended to have a flat planar array antenna and full digital signal processing, for a detection and tracking range of at least Template:Convert against a fighter-sized target. Prototype testing revealed this could not be attained in the required timeframe and still fit within the MiG-29's nose. Rather than design a new radar, Phazotron reverted to a version of the Sapfir-23ML's twisted-polarization cassegrain antenna and traditional analog signal processors, coupled with a new NII Argon-designed Ts100 digital computer to save time and cost. This produced a working radar system, but inherited the weak points of the earlier design, plaguing the MiG-29's ability to detect and track airborne targets at ranges available with the R-27 and R-77 missiles.
The N019 was further compromised by Phazotron designer Adolf Tolkachev's betrayal of the radar to the CIA, for which he was executed in 1986. In response to all of these problems, the Soviets hastily developed a modified N019M Topaz radar for the upgraded MiG-29S aircraft. However, VVS was reportedly still not satisfied with the performance of the system and demanded another upgrade. The latest upgraded aircraft, MiG-29M, offered the N010 Zhuk-M, which has a planar array antenna rather than a dish, improving range, and a much superior processing ability, with multiple-target engagement capability and compatibility with the Vympel R-77 (or RVV-AE).Template:Sfn
Armament
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Armament for the MiG-29 includes a single GSh-30-1 Template:Convert cannon in the port wing root. This originally had a 150-round magazine, which was reduced to 100 rounds in later variants, which only allows a few seconds of firing before running out of ammo. Original production MiG-29 aircraft cannot fire the cannon when carrying a centerline fuel tank as it blocks the shell ejection port. This was corrected in the MiG-29S and later versions.
Three pylons are provided under each wing (four in some variants), for a total of six (or eight). The inboard pylons can carry either a Template:Convert fuel tank, one Vympel R-27 (AA-10 "Alamo") medium-range air-to-air missile, or unguided bombs or rockets. Some Soviet aircraft could carry a single nuclear bomb on the port inboard station. The outer pylons usually carry R-73 (AA-11 "Archer") dogfight air to air missiles, although some users still retain the older R-60 (AA-8 "Aphid"). A single Template:Convert tank can be fitted to the centerline, between the engines.Template:Citation needed
The US has supplied AGM-88 HARM missiles to Ukraine. It appears that they are fired from MiG-29s. It was only disclosed after Russian forces showed footage of a tail fin from one of these missiles.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl has said this: "I would just point to two things. One, you know, a lot was made about the MiG-29 issue several months ago, not very much has been noticed about the sheer amount of spare parts and other things that we've done to help them actually put more of their own MiG-29s in the air and keep those that are in the air flying for a longer period of time. And then also, in recent PDA [Presidential Drawdown Authority] packages we've included a number of anti-radiation missiles that can be fired off of Ukrainian aircraft. They can have effects on Russian radars and other things."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Soviet era aircraft don't have the computer architecture to accept NATO standard weapons. The interface would be difficult; however with a "crude modification", such as an e-tablet, it would be possible.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Operational history
While the MiG-29's true capabilities could only be estimated from the time it first appeared In 1977 until the mid-1980s, a combination of persistent intelligence and increasing access afforded by the Soviet foreign sales effort allowed a true appreciation of its capabilities. Early MiG-29s were very agile aircraft, capable of rivaling the performance of contemporary F-18 and F-16 aircraft. However, their relatively low fuel capacity relegated them to short-range air defense missions. Lacking HOTAS and an inter-aircraft data link, and requiring a very intensive "heads-down" approach to operating cockpit controls, the early MiG-29 denied pilots the kind of situational awareness routinely enjoyed by pilots operating comparable US aircraft. Analysts and Western pilots who flew examples of the MiG-29 thought this likely prevented even very good pilots from harnessing the plane's full combat capability. Later MiG-29s were upgraded to improve their capabilities.<ref>Sotham, John, "Solved: The mystery of the MiG-29", Air & Space, September 2014, pp. 29–35.</ref> The Soviet Union exported MiG-29s to several countries. Because 4th-generation fighter aircraft require the pilots to have extensive training, air-defense infrastructure, and constant maintenance and upgrades, MiG-29s have had mixed operational history with different air forces.<ref name=Strat>"More MiG Malfunctions." Template:Webarchive Strategy Page, 21 July 2009. Retrieved 14 October 2009.</ref>
Soviet Union and successor states
The MiG-29 was first publicly seen in the West when the Soviet Union displayed the aircraft in Finland on 2 July 1986. Two MiG-29s were also displayed at the Farnborough Airshow in Britain in September 1988. The following year, the aircraft conducted flying displays at the 1989 Paris Air Show where it was involved in a non-fatal crash during the first weekend of the show.<ref>Johnson, Reuben F. "The Paris Air Show Twenty Years On." Template:Webarchive Weekly Standard, 18 June 2007. Retrieved 10 March 2009.</ref> The Paris Air Show display was only the second display of Soviet fighters at an international air show since the 1930s. Western observers were impressed by its apparent capability and exceptional agility. The only combat service of the MiG-29 in Soviet service was in 1987 and 1988, where they were deployed the 115th GvIAP to Termez Airfield in Turkmenistan in 1987 to cover for Soviet forces in Afghanistan, especially Kabul. This proved effective as - sources disagree about whether it was in August or September - four SU-22M3s of the DRAAF defected and attempted to bomb the capital but were all shot down within minutes of each other by the Fulcrums.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, most of the MiG-29s entered service with the newly formed Russian Air Force.
Russia
In July 1993, two MiG-29s of the Russian Air Force collided in mid-air and crashed away from the public at the Royal International Air Tattoo. No one on the ground sustained any serious injuries, and the two pilots ejected and landed safely.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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The Russian Air Force grounded all its MiG-29s following a crash in Siberia on 17 October 2008.Template:Citation needed Following a second crash with a MiG-29 in east Siberia in December 2008,<ref>"Russian MiG-29 fighter crashes in East Siberia: Pilot dead." Template:Webarchive The Journal of the Turkish Weekly, 5 December 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2009.</ref> Russian officials admitted that most MiG-29 fighters in the Russian Air Force were incapable of performing combat duties due to poor maintenance. The age of the aircraft was also an important factor as about 70% of the MiGs were considered to be too old to take to the skies.Template:Citation needed The Russian MiG-29s had not received updates since the collapse of the Soviet Union. On 4 February 2009, the Russian Air Force resumed flights with the MiG-29.Template:Citation needed However, in March 2009, 91 MiG-29s of the Russian Air Force required repair after inspections due to corrosion; approximately 100 MiGs were cleared to continue flying at the time.<ref>"Corrosion issue grounds one-third of Russian air force MiG-29 fleet." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 19 March 2009. Retrieved 14 October 2009.</ref><ref>Litovkin, Dmitry. "У новых истребителей МиГ-29 выявлена коррозия (MiG-29 pilot did everything to his notice)." Template:Webarchive Izvestia, 23 April 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2009. (English translation). Template:Webarchive Google. Retrieved 14 October 2009.</ref> The Russian Aerospace Forces started an update of its early MiG-29s to the more current MiG-29SMT standard,<ref name="airforce-technology.com"/> but financial difficulties prevented delivery of more than three MiG-29 SMT upgrade to the Russian Aerospace Forces.Template:Citation needed Instead, the 35 MiG-29SMT/UBTs rejected by Algeria were bought by the Russian Aerospace Forces.<ref>AirForces Monthly, p. 68.</ref>Template:Verify source Russia placed an order for 16 new-build MiG-29SMTs on 15 April 2014, with delivery expected by 2017.<ref>Isby, David C. "16 Additional MiG-29SMTs for Russia". Air International, June 2014. Vol. 86, No. 6. p. 8.</ref>
On 4 June 2015, a MiG-29 crashed during training in Astrakhan.<ref>"Op Tempo, Sustainment Flaws Hit Russian Air Force" Template:Webarchive. Defense News, 12 July 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2015.</ref> A month later, another MiG-29 crashed near the village of Kushchevskaya in the Krasnodar region with the pilot safely ejecting.<ref>"Russian MiG Fighter Crashes in Southern Russia, Pilot Lives" New York Times, 3 July 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2015.</ref> A series of accidents in the Russian Aerospace Forces that happened in 2015 were caused mostly by overall increase of flights and training.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 20 April 2008, Georgian officials claimed a Russian MiG-29 shot down a Georgian Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicle and provided video footage from the ill-fated drone showing an apparent MiG-29 launching an air-to-air missile at it. Russia denies that the aircraft was theirs and says they did not have any pilots in the air that day. Abkhazia's administration claimed its own forces shot down the drone with an L-39 aircraft "because it was violating Abkhaz airspace and breaching ceasefire agreements."<ref>Long, Helen. "Russia ‘shot down Georgia drone’." Template:Webarchive BBC, 21 April 2008. Retrieved 10 March 2009.</ref> UN investigation concluded that the video was authentic and that the drone was shot down by a Russian MiG-29 or Su-27 using an R-73 heat seeking missile.<ref>Template:Cite web International Herald Tribune, 26 May 2008. Retrieved 10 March 2009.</ref>
On 16 July 2014, a Ukrainian Su-25 was shot down, with Ukrainian officials stating that a Russian MiG-29 shot it down using a R-27T missile.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Russia denied these allegations.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
During the first half of September 2017, the Russian Aerospace Forces deployed some MiG-29SMT multirole combat aircraft to Khmeimim Airbase, near Latakia, in western Syria, becoming the first time the modernized version of the baseline Fulcrum jet was deployed to take part in the Syrian Air War.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The MiG-29SMT were involved in bombing missions and secondary strategic bombers escort duties.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Two Russian MiG-29s operated by Wagner Group crashed near Sirte, Libya on 28 June 2020 and on 7 September 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Ukraine
In April 2014, during the Russian invasion of Crimea, 45 Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29s and 4 L-39 combat trainers were reportedly captured by Russian forces at Belbek air base. Most of the planes appeared to be in inoperable condition. In May, Russian troops dismantled them and shipped them back to Ukraine. On 4 August 2014, the Ukrainian government stated that a number of them had been put back into service to fight in the war in the east of the country.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
During the initial days of the war in Donbas in April 2014, the Ukrainian Air Force deployed some jet fighters over the Donetsk region to perform combat air patrols and show of force flights. Probably due to the limited number of jet fighters available, a MiG-29 belonging to the Ukrainian Falcons display team was spotted armed with a full air-to-air load and performing a low altitude fly by.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the evening of 7 August 2014, a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29MU1, bort number 02 Blue, was shot down by an antiaircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels near the town of Yenakievo, and exploded in midair. The pilot ejected safely.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 17 August 2014, another Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29, bort number 53 White, tasked with air to ground duties against separatists' positions<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> was shot down by pro-Russian rebels in the Luhansk region. The Ukrainian government confirmed the downing. The pilot ejected safely and was recovered by friendly forces.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
As of 2018, the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant began domestically upgrading the MiG-29 to have multirole capability, known as the MiG-29MU2. Development was expected to be completed by 2019 and enter production in 2020.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> The first upgraded MiG-29 was delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force in July 2020.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> On 29 May 2020, Ukrainian MiG-29s took part in the Bomber Task Force in Europe with American B-1B bombers for the first time in the Black Sea region.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2020, B-52 bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing conducted vital integration training with Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s inside Ukraine's airspace.<ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref>
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During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Su-27s and MiG-29s were used as air superiority fighters, with ten MiG-29s reported lost on the ground and in the air.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In August 2022, a senior U.S. defense official disclosed that the Ukrainians have integrated the AGM-88 HARM missile onto their "MiG aircraft"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with video evidence of AGM-88 missiles fired by upgraded Ukrainian MiG-29s released by the Ukrainian Air Force few days later.<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref> For a weapon that relies on digital display to fire, the question of how it has been integrated into the MiG-29's analogue displays remains unanswered. The footage shows a commercial GPS having been installed along with a tablet of some kind.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On 13 October 2022, a Ukrainian MiG-29 crashed during a combat mission. Its pilot is claimed to have destroyed a Shahed-136 drone with his cannon, and it is believed the debris from the drone collided with the aircraft and forced the pilot to eject. Ukrainian sources claim that the pilot shot down five drones and two cruise missiles shortly before the crash. The downed MiG-29 was wearing a livery similar to that of the Ukrainian Falcons display team. According to the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation: "the jet collided with debris from a destroyed drone, which caused massive damage to it to the point where it crashed near a village in northeast Vinnytsia. The pilot managed to eject and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 20 September 2023, a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 was struck by a ZALA Lancet drone at the Dolgintsevo air base near Kryvyi Rih. A second drone was used as a spotter, recording the first Lancet's impact.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As of 4 March 2025, 29 Ukranian MiG-29s have been destroyed and three have been damaged by the Russian forces.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Export
India
India was the first international customer of the MiG-29, outside of the Warsaw Pact. The Indian Air Force (IAF) placed an order for 44 aircraft (40 single-seat MiG-29 9.12Bs and four twin-seat MiG-29UBs) in 1984, and the aircraft was officially inducted into the IAF in 1987.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1989, an additional order for 20 aircraft was placed, with ten more MiG-29s added in 1994.<ref name="SIPRI">Template:Cite web</ref> MiG-29s were extensively used by the IAF during the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999. They were used to provide escort for the Mirage 2000s attacking targets with laser-guided bombs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Since its acquisition, the aircraft has undergone a series of modifications with the addition of new avionics, subsystems, turbofan engines and radars.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> India signed a US$888 million deal with Russia in 2005-06 to upgrade all of its MiG-29s, to extend their operational life by 10-15 years.<ref name="HT">Template:Cite news</ref> The upgrade program was planned to be completed in four years, and consisted of retrofitting the aircraft with upgraded avionics including replacing the N-019 radar with Phazatron Zhuk-M radar. Under the deal, the aircraft were also modified to be capable of deploying the R-77 missiles, and enabling mid air refueling to increase endurance.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2007, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was given a license to manufacture 120 RD-33 series 3 turbofan engines for the upgrade.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In March 2008, India signed a renewed agreement with Russia worth $960 million for upgrading its existing fleet of 69 MiG-29s, which would enable them to operate for another 25 to 40 years.<ref name="TOI">Template:Cite news</ref> The upgrades to Indian MiG-29s will be to the MiG-29UPG standard, the first six MiG-29s were to be upgraded in Russia with the remaining 63 MiGs to be upgraded by HAL in India.<ref name="TOI"/> The upgrades included a new weapon control system, improved cockpit ergonomics, DRDO/DARE D-29 electronic warfare system, and upgraded weaponry including air-to-ground missiles and guided bombs.<ref name="Upgrade">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="DRDO">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> India also awarded a contract to Israel Aircraft Industries to provide avionics and subsystems for the upgrade.<ref name="TOI"/> India sent the first six of its aircraft to Russia for upgrades in 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The first three aircraft were delivered to India in December 2012, more than two years behind schedule.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In March 2009, the IAF expressed concern about the aircraft after 90 Russian MiG-29s were grounded after a crash.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In March 2009, the IAF cleared all MiG-29s in its fleet as safe after an extensive inspection.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In a disclosure to the Indian Parliament, the Indian defence minister said structural flawed had been identified in the MiG-29s with the possibility of cracks developing in the tail fin due to corrosion. After Russia shared the finding with India, which emerged after the crash of a Russian Air Force MiG-29 in December 2008, a repair and maintenance program was put in place to resolve the issue.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2004, India had signed a deal for the acquisition of additional 16 MiG-29Ks for the Indian Navy, to be deployed on INS Vikramaditya, the refurbished aircraft carrier to be purchased from Russia. In January 2010, India and Russia signed a US$1.2 billion deal for the acquisition of additional 29 MiG-29Ks for the Indian Navy, bringing the total number of MiG-29Ks on order to 45.<ref name="Navy">Template:Cite news</ref> The MiG-29K entered service with the Indian Navy on 19 February 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2020, India planned an additional order of 21 MiG-29s, which would be manufactured from airframes built in late 1980s but never assembled, and upgraded these aircraft before delivery to the Indian Air Force before delivery.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 7 August 2024, IAF issued a Request for proposal to upgrade 24 MiG-29s to integrate High Speed Low Drag Bombs with a range of Template:Cvt. The upgrade would include installation of hardware such as bomb racks on external hardpoints, and necessary software for the aircraft, with the entire MiG-29 fleet to be modified in phases.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Yugoslavia and Serbia
Yugoslavia was the first European country outside the Soviet Union to operate the MiG-29. The country received 14 MiG-29 9.12As and two MiG-29UBs from the USSR in 1987 and 1988. The MiG-29s were put into service with the 127th Fighter Aviation Squadron, based at Batajnica Air Base, north of Belgrade, Serbia.Template:Sfn
Yugoslav MiG-29s saw little combat during the breakup of Yugoslavia, and were used primarily for ground attacks. Several Antonov An-2 aircraft used by Croatia were destroyed on the ground at Čepin airfield near Osijek, Croatia in 1991 by a Yugoslav MiG-29, with no MiG-29 losses.<ref name=ACIG_380>Template:Usurped Air Combat Information Group, 30 November 2003. Retrieved 14 October 2009.</ref> At least two MiG-29s carried out an airstrike on Banski Dvori, the official residence of the Croatian Government, on 7 October 1991.<ref>Oppenheim, John and Willem-Jan van der Wolf. Global war crimes tribunal collection, Volume 1, Part 1. Nijmegen, the Netherlands: Global Law Association, 1997, p. 404.</ref>
The MiG-29s continued their service in the subsequent Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Because of the United Nations arms embargo against the country, the condition of the MiG-29s worsened as aircraft were not maintained according to rules and general overhaul scheduled for 1996 and 1997 was not conducted.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Six MiG-29s were shot down during the NATO intervention in the Kosovo War, four by USAF F-15s, one by a USAF F-16, and one by a Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16.<ref>Lok, Joris Janssen, "How Dutch F-16AMs shot down a Mig-29." Jane's. Retrieved 7 September 2009. Template:Webarchive</ref><ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> However, one aircraft, according to its pilot, was hit by friendly fire from the ground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Another four were destroyed on the ground.<ref name=ejection-history.org.uk>"Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum: Losses & Ejections." Template:Webarchive ejection-history.org.uk, 17 October 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2009.</ref> One Argentine source claims that a MiG-29 shot down an F-16 on 26 March 1999,<ref>Генерал Великович на авиашоу (довоенная фотография). 26 марта ему предстояло сбить F-16 (88-0490 Генерал Великович на авиашоу (довоенная фотография). 26 марта ему предстояло сбить F-16C (88-0490 Template:Webarchive</ref> but this kill is disputed, as the F-16C in question was said to have crashed in the US that same day.<ref>Dewitte, Lieven."The US Air Force suspended all F-16 fighter flights at Luke Air Force Base." Template:Webarchive F-16.net, 26 March 1999. Quote: "The US Air Force suspended all F-16 fighter flights at Luke Air Force Base."</ref>
The Air Force of Serbia and Montenegro continued flying its remaining five MiG-29s at a very low rate after the war. In the spring of 2004, news appeared that MiG-29 operations had ceased, because the aircraft could not be maintained,<ref name=ACIG_380/> but later the five remaining airframes were sent to Russia for overhaul. In July 2009, a Serbian Air Force MiG-29 crashed over Belgrade.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The small Serbian MiG-29 fleet along with other jets were grounded for four months during the summer of 2014 due to a battery procurement issue.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In November 2016, Russia had agreed to donate six of its MiG-29s free of charge, if Serbia would pay the repair costs of $50 million for them.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the end of January 2017, Serbian defense minister Zoran Đorđević said that Belarus also agreed to donate eight of its MiG-29s to Serbia on a no-pay basis.<ref name=Belarus_donates>Template:Cite web</ref> In early October 2017, Russia completed the delivery of all the six MiG-29s. The aircraft were transferred to Serbia onboard an Antonov An-124 transport aircraft.<ref>Россия закончила поставку шести истребителей МиГ-29 в Сербию Template:Webarchive RIA Novosti, 4 October 2017.</ref> On 25 February 2019, Belarus formally handed four MiG-29s to the Serbian military during a ceremony held at the 558th Aircraft Repair Plant in Baranavichy. This increased the Serbian Air Force's fleet to 14 MiG-29s.<ref name="Serbia received 4 MiG-29s">Template:Cite web</ref> Serbia plans to spend about €180–230 million on modernization of its entire MiG-29 fleet.<ref name="Serbia MiG-29 modernization">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 2021, the Serbian Air Force operates 14 MiG-29s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Germany
East Germany bought 24 MiG-29s (20 MiG-29As, four MiG-29UBs), which entered service in 1988–1989 in 1./JG3 "Wladimir Komarow" in Preschen in Brandenburg.<ref name="wapj4 p86">Lake World Air Power Journal Volume 4 Winter 1990/91, p. 86.</ref> After the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 and reunification of Germany in October 1990, the MiG-29s and other aircraft of the East German Air Forces of the National People's Army were integrated into the West German Luftwaffe.<ref>MiG-29s leave Luftwaffe Template:Webarchive – Flug Revue, April 2004</ref> Initially the 1./JG3 kept its designation. In April 1991 both 1./JG3's MiG-29 squadrons were reorganised into the MiG-29 test wing ("Erprobungsgeschwader MiG-29"), which became JG73 "Steinhoff" and was transferred to Laage near Rostock in June 1993.
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The Federation of American Scientists claims the MiG-29 is equal to, or better than the F-15C in short aerial engagements because of the Helmet Mounted Weapons Sight (HMS) and better maneuverability at slow speeds.<ref name= FAS_MiG-29>"MiG-29 Fulcrum (Mikoyan-Gurevich)." Template:Webarchive FAS. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref>Template:Self-published inline This was demonstrated when MiG-29s of the German Air Force participated in joint DACT exercises with US fighters.<ref name=Lucia>Neely, SrA. Dan. "Aviano Vigileer: 'Buzzards' Fly With MiG 29s." AeroWeb. Retrieved 1 August 2010. Template:Webarchive</ref><ref name= Code_One>"Code One, 1995–07." codeonemagazine.com. Retrieved 30 September 2010. Template:Webarchive</ref> The HMS was a great help, allowing the Germans to achieve a lock on any target the pilot could see within the missile field of view, including those almost 45 degrees off boresight.<ref>Lake 1997, p. 70.</ref> However, the German pilots who flew the MiG-29 admitted that while the Fulcrum was more maneuverable at slow speeds than the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-14 Tomcat, and F/A-18 Hornet and its Vympel R-73 dogfight missile system was superior to the AIM-9 Sidewinder of the time, in engagements that went into the beyond visual range arena, the German pilots found it difficult to multi-task locking and firing the MiG-29's Vympel R-27 missile (German MiG-29s did not have access to the more advanced Vympel R-77 that equips more advanced MiG-29 versions) while trying to avoid the longer range and advanced search and track capabilities of the American fighters' radars and AIM-120 AMRAAM. The Germans also stated that the American fighters had the advantage in both night and bad weather combat conditions. The Luftwaffe's assessment of the MiG-29 was that the Fulcrum was best used as a point defense interceptor over cities and military installations, not for fighter sweeps over hostile airspace. This assessment ultimately led Germany to not deploy its MiG-29s in the Kosovo War during Operation Allied Force, though Luftwaffe pilots who flew the MiG-29 admitted that even if they were permitted to fly combat missions over the former Yugoslavia they would have been hampered by the lack of NATO-specific communication tools and identification friend or foe systems.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Beginning in 1993, the German MiGs were stationed with JG73 "Steinhoff" in Laage near Rostock. During the service in the German Air Force, one MiG-29 ("29+09") was destroyed in an accident on 25 June 1996 due to pilot error. By 2003, German Air Force pilots had flown over 30,000 hours in the MiG-29. In September 2003, 22 of the 23 remaining machines were sold to the Polish Air Force for the symbolic price of €1 per item.<ref name= PL>"MiGi za 1 euro w Bydgoszczy." Template:In lang lotnictwo. Retrieved 30 September 2010. Template:Webarchive</ref> The last aircraft were transferred in August 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The 23rd MiG-29 ("29+03") was put on display at Laage.<ref name= Bundeswehr>"Bundeswehr." Template:Webarchive mgfa.de. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref>
Libya
In 2020, it was reported that MiG-29 aircraft was flown by forces aligned with Khalifa Haftar in Libya.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 11 September 2020, United States Africa Command stated that two MiG-29s, operated by Russian speaking personnel, crashed in Libya for unknown reasons, the first on 28 June 2020, the second on 7 September 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was announced that MiG-29s and Su-24s are to be delivered to the Libyan Air Force from Russia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Peru
The Peruvian Air Force acquired 21 MiG-29S fighters from Belarus in 1997, as part of a package that also included 18 Su-25 attack aircraft. The following year an additional 3 MiG-29 aircraft were acquired from Russia. At the same time, Peru contracted with Mikoyan to upgrade 8 aircraft to the MiG-29SMP standard, with an option to upgrade the remainder of the Peruvian inventory. The Peruvian MiG-29s are based at FAP Captain José Abelardo Quiñones González International Airport in northern Peru, equipping Escuadrón Aéreo 612 (Fighter Squadron 612 "Fighting Roosters").<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Poland
The first 12 MiG-29s delivered to Poland were nine MiG-29As and three MiG-29UBs in 1989–1990. The aircraft were based at Mińsk Mazowiecki and used by the 1st Fighter Aviation Regiment, which was reorganized in 2001 as 1 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego (1. elt), or 1st Tactical Squadron (TS). In 1995–1996, 10 used examples were acquired from the Czech Republic (nine MiG-29As, one MiG-29UB). After the retirement of its MiG-23s in 1999, and MiG-21s in 2004, Poland was left for a time with only these 22 MiG-29s in the interceptor role.
Of the 22 MiG-29s Poland received from the German Air Force in 2004, a total of 14 were overhauled and taken into service. They were used to equip the 41st Tactical Squadron (41. elt), replacing its MiG-21s. As of 2008, Poland was the biggest NATO MiG-29 user. Poland had 31 active MiG-29s (25 MiG-29As, six MiG-29UBs) as of 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They are stationed with the 1st Tactical Squadron at the 23rd Air Base near Mińsk Mazowiecki and the 41st TS at the 22nd Air Base near Malbork.
There have been unconfirmed reports that Poland has at one point leased a MiG-29 from its own inventory to Israel for evaluation and the aircraft has since been returned to Poland, as suggested by photographs of a MiG-29 in Israeli use. Three Polish MiG-29As were reported in Israel for evaluation between April and May 1997 in the Negev Desert.Template:Citation needed On 7 September 2011, the Polish Air Force awarded a contract to the WZL 2 company to modernise its MiG-29 fleet to be compatible with Polish F-16s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Four MiG-29s from 1. elt participated in the Baltic Air Policing mission in 2006, while 41. elt aircraft did so in 2008, 2010 and 2012. Polish MiG-29s played the aggressor role in the NATO Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) joint training program in Albacete in 2011, 2012 and 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 18 December 2017, a MiG-29 crash-landed in a forest near the 23rd Air Base while performing a landing approach.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The pilot did not eject, but survived the crash with minor injuries. This was the first crash of a MiG-29 during its nearly three decades long operational history in the Polish Air Force.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 6 July 2018, another MiG-29 crashed near Pasłęk, with its pilot dying in an ejection attempt. Technical issues are suspected to have played a role in the crash.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Another crash followed on 4 March 2019. This time the pilot ejected and survived.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 8 March 2022, Poland announced a willingness to transfer their operational fleet of MiG-29 aircraft to the US via the Ramstein Air Base, in exchange for aircraft of a similar role and operational capability, with the intent of transferring the MiG-29s to Ukraine to use in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 16 March 2023, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that Poland would transfer four operational MiG-29s to Ukraine, with the understanding that additional aircraft would be delivered after servicing and preparation. Poland is the first NATO country to provide Ukraine with fighter aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 13 April, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany had approved the transfer of five MiG-29s to Ukraine. German approval was necessary because these aircraft belonged to the German Democratic Republic, which were then transferred to Poland in 2004.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Iraq
Iraq received a number of MiG-29 fighters and used them to engage Iranian equivalent opponents during the later stages of the Iran–Iraq War.
By August 1990, at the time of the Invasion of Kuwait, the Iraqi Air Force had received 37 MiG-29 (9.12B) Fulcrum-As. Iraq was reportedly unsatisfied that they did not receive the R-73 and R-27T missiles that Coalition intelligence had assessed as a great threat, instead receiving R-60MK missiles. As a result, they did not order any more aircraft. Iraq was reportedly able to modify their MiG-29s to carry both drop tanks and the TMV-002 Remora ECM pod.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
MiG-29s saw combat in the 1991 Persian Gulf War with the Iraqi Air Force. Five MiG-29s were shot down by USAF F-15s.<ref name="steve_davies">Steve Davies. F-15C Eagle Units in Combat, p. 88. Osprey Combat Aircraft 53.</ref> Some sources reported that one British Panavia Tornado, ZA467, was shot down in northwestern Iraq by a MiG-29<ref>[1] Template:Webarchive</ref><ref name= "Iraqi_air_victories_during_Gulf_War">"Iraqi air-air victories during the Gulf War 1991." Template:Webarchive safarikovi.org.com, 2004. Retrieved 7 December 2009.</ref> UK sources claim this Tornado to have crashed on 22 January on a mission to Ar Rutbah.<ref name= "asn-za467">"ASN Aircraft accident Panavia Tornado GR1 ZA467." Template:Webarchive Flight Safety Foundation via aviation-safety.net, 21 December 2009.</ref> Another Tornado is also claimed by an Iraqi MiG-29, this time, and IDS variant belonging to the AMI from either the 4th or 5th Fighter Squadron, again using an R-60 missile.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Other Iraqi air-to-air kills are reported in Russian sources, where the US claims other cases of combat damage, such as a B-52 which the US claims was hit by friendly fire, when an AGM-88 high-speed, anti-radiation missile (HARM) homed on the fire-control radar of the B-52's tail gun; the bomber returned to base and was subsequently renamed "In HARM's Way".<ref>Lake 2004, pp. 47–48.</ref> It is believed that an F-111 Aardvark was hit by a missile fired by a MiG-29 but it was able to return to base.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A MiG-29 from the 4th or 5th TFS also had a less fortunate kill against a friendly aircraft, a MiG-23ML using a R-27R missile on the 17th of January, 1991. This case of fratricide was not the first of this type, but a MiG-29 of the 5th TFS shot down another MiG-29 of the same unit using an R-60MK in April 1988, though the circumstances are not entirely known.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Iraq's original fleet of 37 MiG-29s was reduced to 12 after the Gulf War. One MiG-29 was damaged, and seven were reportedly flown to Iran.Template:Sfn The remaining 12 aircraft were withdrawn from use in 1995 because the engines needed to be overhauled but Iraq could not send them off for that work.<ref>Woods, Kevin M. "Iraqi Perspectives Project Phase II, Um Al-Ma'arik (The Mother of All Battles): Operational and Strategic Insights from an Iraqi Perspective, Volume 1 (Revised May 2008)." Template:Webarchive Defense Technical Information Center via oai.dtic.mil. Retrieved 23 October 2010.</ref>
After the American-led 2003 invasion of Iraq and disbandment of the Ba'athist Iraqi Army in May of the same year,<ref>Kaplan, Fred. "Who disbanded the Iraqi army?" Template:Webarchive Slate, 7 September 2007. Retrieved 9 December 2011.</ref> the remaining Soviet-made and Chinese-made fighters of the Iraqi Air Force had been decommissioned.
Syria
Syria was one of the first export customers of the MiG-29, receiving them before most of the Warsaw Pact nations did, with the Syrian Defence Minister Mustafa Tlass allegedly seeking up to 150 MiG-29s. The very first Fulcrums arrived in Syria in June or July 1987, a batch of 16, and many more were delivered into the later 1980s.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> A total of 48 MiG-29As and UBs were delivered in the original batches, and a further 16 were reportedly delivered in the middle to late 1990s, reportedly airframes built for Iraq in 1990-91 but undelivered due to sanctions and the Gulf War. These were upgraded to an unknown standard.<ref name="Israeli-Syrian Shadow-Boxing." />
Syrian Arab Air Force MiG-29s have sometimes encountered Israeli fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. Two Israeli F-15Cs reportedly shot down two MiG-29As on 2 June 1989 under unclear circumstances.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Israeli-Syrian Shadow-Boxing.">Cooper, Tom. Template:Usurped ACIG, 30 September 2003. Retrieved 9 September 2025</ref> Some reports claim that between 1990 and 1991, several air battles occurred between the Syrians and the Israelis and one MiG-29 at least is reported to have been lost in those engagements, with Israeli losses claimed by unreported and unverified.<ref name=":1" /> Further reports claim that on 14 September 2001 two Syrian Air Force MiG-29s were shot down by two Israeli F-15Cs while the MiGs were intercepting an Israeli reconnaissance aircraft off the coast of Lebanon. However, both Syria and Israel deny that this occurred, yet unofficial sources continue to hold that an engagement did take place, with the names of the Syrian pilots given being Maj. Arshad Midhat Mubarak, and Capt. Ahmad al-Khatab and both were reported rescued from the Mediterranean. It is stated that the battle occurred when an Israeli Air Force Boeing 707 SIGINT aircraft, escorted by two F-15Cs armed with advanced Python Mk.IV missiles, was conducting a routine surveillance mission along the Lebanese and Syrian coasts, monitoring telecommunications and radar activity near Tripoli and Hamidiyah. Such missions, conducted twice weekly, were typically shadowed by Syrian interceptors—usually MiG-23s or MiG-29s—that maintained a safe distance and showed no hostile intent. However, at 09:14 that day, two Syrian MiG-29s suddenly turned aggressively toward the Israeli formation, prompting the F-15s to order the 707 to retreat and activate ECM, while reinforcements were scrambled. After warnings on the international distress frequency were ignored, one F-15 shot down the lead MiG-29 with a Python Mk.IV missile, while the second MiG, attempting to retreat, was destroyed by a close-range AIM-9M Sidewinder, both crashing into the Mediterranean .<ref name="Israeli-Syrian Shadow-Boxing."/><ref>"Ejection history." Template:Webarchive ejection-history.org.uk. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref><ref>"Israel downed 2 Syrian MiGs in 2001." Template:Webarchive WorldTribune.com. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref>
Syrian MiG-29s entered the Syrian Civil War in late October 2013, attacking Free Syrian Army insurgents with unguided rockets and bombs in Damascus<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and during the war, MiG-29SM fighters (a deep upgrade by Russia of the platform) were delivered to the SyAAF. A Syrian MiG-29SM crashed on 5 March 2020 near Shayrat Airbase. Marking the first crash of the plane in the Syrian Air Force since 2001. According to avia.pro the aircraft may have been shot down by MANPADS operated by the Syrian Opposition.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After the fall of the Assad Ba'athist Regime, the remaining assets of the SyAAF were largely taken over the opposition but the Israelis - who were concerned about the instability with the new regime - destroyed at least 30 MiG-29s as part of Operation Bashan Arrow which involved Israeli Strikes on Syrian Defence Infrastructure including air bases,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the condition of the remaining aircraft is uncertain.
Malaysia
The Royal Malaysian Air Force operated 18 MiG-29N/NUB aircraft from 1995 to 2017 out of its air base in Kuantan. The aircraft were modified to have an improved engine and stronger airframe to meet Malaysian requirements.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>
In 2009, it was announced that the jets would be gradually phased out by the end of 2010 as a result of increasing maintenance costs, which would save approximately $76 million annually.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Malaysian defence ministry subsequently went back on its position and announced it would keep ten planes in service and only retire the remaining six.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2013, it was announced that the MiG-29 fleet would be retired by 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, delays with its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program meant the jets were kept in service and set to be upgraded to extend their lifespan, but these plans ultimately did not materialise and they were finally retired in 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
One crashed in 1998 as a result of hydraulic and battery failures, and another in 2004 after its engine caught on fire after takeoff. Both pilots ejected and survived.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
North Korea
The Korean People's Air Force is believed to operate about 18 MiG-29s which are assigned to the 55th Air Regiment based at Sunchon Air Base. In addition to 13 MiG-29 (9.12B) Fulcrum As and 2 Fulcrum B trainers that were delivered in 1987, North Korea also became the only Cold War export customer and licensed manufacturer of the Fulcrum-C.<ref name="Mitzer-2020">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Page needed Called the MiG-29S-13 (9.13B) Fulcrum-C, they were delivered to North Korea from the USSR/Russia between 1991 and 1992 in knock down parts. Only three S-13s were completed due to Russia refusing to supply more parts to North Korea. The first locally built Fulcrum-C flew on 15 April 1993.<ref name="Mitzer-2020" />Template:Page needed These were first encountered and photographed by the USAF in March 2003 when a pair of KPAF MiG-29s intercepted an USAF RC-135S Cobra Ball reconnaissance aircraft.<ref>"MiG-29戦闘機（ファルクラム）（北朝鮮）" (in Japanese). Template:Webarchive Atwiki.jp. Retrieved 5 October 2012.</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 17 May 2025. North Korean MiG-29 was seen using its new active radar homing missile which resembles the AIM-120 and PL-12. The missile seems to outperform the given Soviet-era MiG-29's radar in terms of range.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Sudan
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There have been occasional claims regarding the use of Sudanese Air Force MiG-29s against insurgent forces in Darfur. However, whereas Mi-24 combat helicopters as well as Nanchang A-5 or, more recently, Su-25 ground-attack aircraft have been spotted and photographed on Darfurian airfields, no MiG-29s have been observed. On 10 May 2008, a Darfur rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) mounted an assault on the Sudanese capital. During this action, the JEM shot down a Sudanese Air Force MiG-29 with Template:Convert heavy machine gun fire while it was attacking a convoy of vehicles in the Khartoum suburb of Omdurman. The aircraft was piloted by a Russian mercenary. He was killed in action as his parachute did not open after ejecting.<ref>"Russian Fighter Pilot Shot Down In Sudan." Template:Webarchive strategypage.com, 30 May 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref><ref>Ali, Wasil. "Russia says fighter pilot shot down in Sudan was an ex-military officer." Template:Webarchive sudantribune.com, 30 May 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref><ref>"Russian pilots fly Sudan MIGs in Darfour missions." Template:Webarchive World Tribune, 29 May 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> On 14 November 2008 Sudanese Ministry of Defence admitted that Sudan had received 12 MiG-29s from Russia.<ref name=sudan>Informacje in "Raport - Wojsko Technika Obronność" Nr. 12/2008, p. 62 Template:In lang</ref> An anonymous Russian source claimed that the aircraft had been delivered before 2004.<ref name=sudan/>
During the brief 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict, on 4 April 2012, Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) claimed the downing of a Sudanese MiG-29 using antiaircraft guns. The Sudan government denied the claim.<ref>"South Sudan: Nation Guns Down War Plane, Khartoum Denies." Template:Webarchive Allafrica, 5 April 2012.</ref> On 16 April 2012, the SPLA issued a second claim about the downing of a Sudanese MiG-29.<ref>"SPLA shoots down Khartoum jet fighter over Heglig: officials." Template:Webarchive Sudan Tribune, 17 April 2012.</ref> It was not clear if this second claim referred to the previous one.
On 15 April 2023, a Sudanese MiG-29 was captured on film firing missiles over Khartoum during a skirmish with paramilitary forces.<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref>
On 25 May 2023, a Sudanese MiG-29 was filmed being shot down by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over Omdurman.Template:Citation needed The pilot ejected and survived, although he was wounded and captured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
United States
In 1997, the US purchased 21 Moldovan MiG-29 aircraft under the Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program. Fourteen were MiG-29S models, which are equipped with an active radar jammer in its spine and are capable of being armed with nuclear weapons. Part of the US' motive to purchase these aircraft was to prevent them from being sold to Iran.<ref name= link>"Transcript." Template:Webarchive Defense Link. Retrieved 30 September 2010.</ref> This purchase could also provide the tactical fighter communities of the USAF, the USN and the USMC with a working evaluation and data for the MiG-29, and possibly for use in dissimilar air combat training. Such information may prove valuable in any future conflicts and can aid in the design and testing of current and future weapons platforms. In late 1997, the MiGs were delivered to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, though many of the former Moldovan MiG-29s are believed to have been scrapped. Some of these MiG-29s are currently on open display at Nellis AFB, Nevada; NAS Fallon, Nevada; Goodfellow AFB, Texas; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
Others
A Cuban MiG-29UB shot down two Cessna 337s belonging to the organisation Brothers to the Rescue in 1996, after the aircraft approached Cuban airspace.<ref>"Cuba." Template:Webarchive UMN. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref>
According to some reports, in the 1999 Eritrean-Ethiopian War, a number of Eritrean MiG-29s were shot down by Ethiopian Su-27s piloted by Russian mercenaries.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was reported that local pilots were trained by instructors from those nations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> There are also some other reports of Eritrean MiG-29s shooting down two Ethiopian MiG-21s, three MiG-23s.<ref name=Eritrean>Template:Cite web</ref> The claim that an Eritrean MiG-29 shot down an Ethiopian Su-25 was later debunked, since the missing Ethiopian Su-25TK was damaged in an accident in May 2000, is actually stored and used for spares at Bishoftu Air Base.
Template:As of, Jane's Information Group reported the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) operated 8 MiG-29s (6B & 2UB)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> though their have a low serviceability rate.Template:Cn
After the end of the 1994 civil war, newly reunified Yemen inherited several intact MiG-29s, bought by South Yemen a few months earlier.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> In 1995–1996, Yemen also received two additional jets from Kazakhstan.<ref name="HSOY 2 14">Template:Harvnb</ref> In 2001, a major arms deal including the purchase of up to 36 upgraded MiG-29s was signed, with deliveries starting in June 2002.<ref name="HSOY 2 14" /> Equipped with N019MP radar and an advanced fire control system, they became the most advanced combat aircraft in the Yemeni Air force arsenal. They are compatible with Kh-31P and Kh-29T guided air-to-ground missiles, as well as R-77 air-to-air missiles.<ref name="HSOY 2 14" />
Potential operators and failed bids
Before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Finland had a policy of splitting procurement of armaments between western, eastern and domestic suppliers. The MiG-29 was planned to replace the Finnish Air Force's MiG-21 fighters up to 1988, with test flights having been done.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In the second half of the 1980s, the Soviet Union offered the MiG-29 to Libya. The offer was turned down, as the weapons system and radar of the MiG-29 were assessed as similar to those of the MiG-23MLD already in service with the Libyan Arab Air Force. The MiG-29's price was also deemed much too high.Template:Sfn
During 1989–1990, the Soviet Union delivered 49 helicopters and 125 aircraftTemplate:Clarify after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan additionally requested the MiG-29 for the Afghan Air Force, although this was turned down.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Page needed
In 1989, Zimbabwe ordered a squadron's worth of MiG-29s to the USSR. Some Air Force of Zimbabwe personnel travelled to Russia for conversion courses, but in 1992 the deal was cancelled, as the geopolitical situation of the region was stabilising.Template:Sfn
In December 2008, Russia moved to expand its military influence in the Middle East when it announced it was giving Lebanon 10 fighter jets, that would have been the most significant upgrade of Lebanon's military since the civil war ended almost two decades before. A Russian defence ministry representative said it was giving secondhand MiG-29s to Lebanon for free. This was to be part of a defence cooperation deal that would have included Lebanese military personnel training in Russia.<ref>"Russia Lebanon jets arms supply." Template:Webarchive The Guardian. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> On 29 February 2010, Russia agreed to change the offer to 10 Mi-24 attack helicopters based on a Lebanese request.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2021 Russia offered the Argentine Air Force a batch of 15 MiG-29 fighters and another of Su-30 fighters with 12 units and seek also the sale of Yak-130 training jet and Mil Mi-17 helicopters.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Variants
Original Soviet variants
- MiG-29 (Product 9.12)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Initial production version for Soviet Air Force; entered service in 1983. NATO reporting name is "Fulcrum-A". Variant possessed the Phazotron N019 Rubin radar, OEPS-29 optical-electronic sighting system and helmet mounted sight.
- MiG-29 (Product 9.12A) 'Fulcrum-A'
- Export variant of the 9.12 for Warsaw Pact countries which included a downgraded RPLK-29E radar, downgraded OEPrNK-29E optoelectronic and navigation systems and older IFF transponders. This variant also lacked the capability to deliver nuclear weapons. Delivered to East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Sudan, and Romania.Template:Citation needed
- MiG-29 (Product 9.12B) 'Fulcrum-A'
- MiG-29 variant of the 9.12 for non Warsaw Pact countries which included a further downgraded radar and avionics. Delivered to India, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, Malaysia, Myanmar and Eritrea.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- MiG-29UB (Product 9.51)
- Twin seat training model. Infrared sensor mounted only, no radar. NATO reporting name is "Fulcrum-B".
- MiG-29 (Product 9.13) 'Fulcrum-C'
- Update of the initial production version; entered service in 1986. NATO reporting name is "Fulcrum-C". Variant possessed an enlarged dorsal spine to accommodate a larger No.1 fuel tank and the installation of the L-203BE Gardenyia-1 jammer that was lacking on the initial 9.12 version. This enlarged spine earned the 9.13 version and its successors the nickname of "Fatback".Template:Sfn
- MiG-29 (Product 9.13B) 'Fulcrum-C'
- Export variant of the 9.13 provided to North Korea in semi-knocked down (SKD) kits and built in Panghyon between 1991 and 1992. Like the 9.13, it has the Gardenyia-1 jammer but has downgraded avionics and no IFF.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Other sources say the Gardenyia was not delivered to North Korea.Template:Sfn
- MiG-29S (Product 9.13S)
- The MiG-29S was an update of the original 9.13 model retaining the NATO reporting code "Fulcrum-C" and featured flight control system improvements; a total of four new computers provided better stability augmentation and controllability with an increase of 2° in angle of attack (AoA). An improved mechanical-hydraulic flight control system allowed for greater control surface deflections. The MiG-29S can carry Template:Convert under wing drop tanks and a centerline tank. The inboard underwing hardpoints allow a tandem pylon arrangement for carrying a larger payload of Template:Convert. Overall maximum gross weight was raised to Template:Convert. This version also included new avionics and the new Phazotron N019M radar and Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) to reduce dependence on ground support equipment. Development of this version was initiated due to multiple systems being compromised to the West by Phazotron engineer Adolf Tolkachev. This was the final version of the MiG-29 produced before the collapse of the Soviet Union and only limited numbers were produced.
Upgraded variants based on original airframe
- MiG-29S (Product 9.12S)
- Post Soviet upgrade for older 9.12 variants incorporating the changes developed for version 9.13S.
- MiG-29SD (Product 9.12SD)
- Export variant of upgraded 9.12S with downgraded versions of radar and avionics.
- MiG-29SE (Product 9.13SE)
- Export variant of the 9.13S with slightly downgraded N-019ME radar with multiple target tracking ability and RVV-AE (R-77 missile) compatibility. The first export model MiG-29 with underwing drop tanks; the inner underwing pylons can carry over Template:Convert bombs in side by side tandem pairs. Its weapons mix includes R-27T1, R-27ER1 and R-27ET1 medium-range missiles. The aircraft can be fitted with active ECM systems, weapons guidance aids, improved built-in check and training systems. The MiG-29SE can simultaneously engage two air targets.
- MiG-29SM (Product 9.13M)
- Similar to the 9.13, but with the ability to carry guided air-to-surface missiles and TV- and laser-guided bombs. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-C".
- MiG-29SM (SyAF)
- For the Syrian Air Force, and based on the MiG-29SM, except the Syrian MiG-29SM uses the 9.12 airframe. RAC MiG developed a special variant for Syria.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- MiG-29G/MiG-29GT
- East German MiG-29A / 29UB upgraded to NATO standards, with work done by MiG Aircraft Product Support GmbH (MAPS), a joint venture company form between MiG Moscow Aviation Production Association and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace in 1993.<ref>"Moscow Defense Brief." Template:Webarchive MDB.Cast.ru. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref>
- MiG-29AS/MiG-29UBS
- Slovak Air Force performed an upgrade on their MiG-29A/-29UB for NATO compatibility. Work is done by RAC MiG and Western firms, starting from 2005. The aircraft now has navigation and communications systems from Rockwell Collins, an IFF system from BAE Systems, new glass cockpit features multi-function LC displays and digital processors and also fitted to be integrate with Western equipment in the future. However, the armaments of the aircraft remain unchanged. 12 out of 21 of the entire MiG-29 fleet were upgraded and had been delivered as of late February 2008.Template:Citation needed
- MiG-29 Sniper
- Upgrade planned for the Romanian Air Force by DASA, Aerostar and Elbit. DASA was responsible for program management, technical support and the test flight program (together with Elbit), Elbit was responsible for developing the avionics package, while Aerostar implemented the upgrades on the aircraft. The first flight occurred on 5 May 2000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The upgrades included the installation of a new modular multirole computer based on the MIL-STD-1553B data bus, upgraded Western avionics, new radio stations, hybrid navigation system composed of an inertial navigation system and coupled with GPS receiver, identification system, two Template:Convert MFCDs, a Head-Up Display equipped with UFCP front control panel, new RWR, new HOTAS and new ADC. The addition of a new radar and the integration of Western weapons while maintaining Russian ones were also expected.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The program halted due to various reasons, along with the retiring of Romanian MiG-29A/UB in 2003, the Romanian Government deciding to further invest in the MiG-21 LanceR program.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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- MiG-29SMT (Product 9.17)
- The MiG-29SMT is an upgrade of first-generation MiG-29s (9.12 to 9.13) using enhancements on the MiG-29M. Additional fuel tanks in a further enlarged spine provide a maximum internal flight range of Template:Convert. The cockpit has an enhanced HOTAS design, two Template:Convert colour liquid crystal MFDs and two smaller monochrome LCDs. The MiG-29A lacked an advanced air-to-ground capability, thus the SMT upgrade adds the upgraded Zhuk-ME radar with air-to-ground radar detection and integrates air-to-ground guided weapons.<ref>"Mig-29 fighter jet family, Russia" AirForceWorld.com Retrieved 23 August 2013.</ref> It also has upgraded RD-33 ser.3 engines with afterburning thrust rated at Template:Convert each. The weapons load was increased to Template:Convert on six underwing and one ventral hardpoints, with similar weapon choices to the MiG-29M. It can also accommodate non-Russian origin avionics and weapons.<ref>"MiG-29SMT, upgraded MiG-29UB aircraft." Template:Webarchive RAC MiG. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- MiG-29BM
- The MiG-29BM (probably Belarusian Modernised, possibly Bolyshaya Modernizaciya – large modernization) is an upgrade conducted by the ARZ-558 aircraft repair plant in Baranovichi, Belarus. It is a strike variant of the MiG-29 and the Belarusian counterpart to the Russian MiG-29SMT. It includes improvements to weapons, radar, as well as adding non-retractable air-air refueling ability.Template:Citation needed They entered service in 2003 and it is estimated, that ten or so were modernized to BM standard.<ref>Furtak, Marek (2016). MiG-29BM - myśliwiec wielozadaniowy Sił Powietrznych Białorusi. in: "Lotnictwo" Nr. 1/2016(177), pp. 52–58 (in Polish)</ref> The Bangladesh Air Force upgraded its MiG-29B similar to BM standard.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- MiG-29UBT (Product 9.51T)
- SMT standard upgrade for the MiG-29UB. Namely users, Russia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Algeria and Yemen.<ref>"CAST comments." Template:Webarchive Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies. Retrieved 2 August 2010.</ref><ref>"Moscow Defense Brief." Template:Webarchive mdb.cast.ru. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref>
- MiG-29UPG
- The UPG was a modified variant intended for upgrdation of the MiG-29Bs used by the Indian Air Force. The version is similar to the SMT variant with an imported avionics suite.<ref name="Upgrade"/> It includes Zhuk-M radar, new avionics, an IFR probe, DRDO D-29 electronic warfare system, and enhanced RD-33 series 3 turbofan engines.<ref name="Upgrade"/><ref name="TOI"/> It made its maiden flight on 4 February 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- MiG-29SMP / MiG-29UBP
- The SMP/UBP are upgrades for the Peruvian Air Force MiG-29SE fleet. In August 2008 a contract of US$106 million was signed with RAC MiG for this custom SM upgrade of an initial batch of eight MiG-29, with a provision for upgrading all of Peru's MiG-29s.<ref name="mindef.gob.pe">"Fuerza Aéra del Perú firma contrato para reparar MiG-29." Template:Webarchive Ministry of Defense, 12 August 2008. Retrieved 13 August 2008.</ref> The single-seat version is designated SMP, whereas the twin-seat version is designated UBP. It features an improved ECM suite, avionics, sensors, pilot interface, and a MIL-STD-1553 databus. The interfaces include improved IRST capabilities for enhanced passive detection and tracking as well as better off-boresight launch capabilities, one MFCD and HOTAS.<ref>Wojciechowski, Mariusz. "MiG-29." Template:Webarchive mars.slupsk.pl. Retrieved 28 November 2011</ref> The N019M1 radar, a heavily modified and upgraded digital version of the N019 radar, replaces the standard N010 Zhuk-M of the MiG-29SMT. The upgrade also includes a structural life-extension program (SLEP), overhauled and upgraded engines, and the addition of an in-flight refuelling probe.<ref>"La Fuerza Aérea de Perú muestra su capacidad de combate." Template:Webarchive defensa.com, 25 July 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2012.</ref>
- MiG-29N/NUB
- Designation of the export of 16 MiG-29SD and 2 MiG-29UB for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- MiG-29MU1
- A Ukrainian modernization of the MiG-29A/S.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- MiG-29MU2
- A further Ukrainian modernization of the MiG-29S, focused on air to ground munitions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Second-generation variants with modified airframe
- MiG-29M / MiG-33 (Product 9.15)
- Advanced multirole variant, with a redesigned airframe, mechanical flight controls replaced by a fly-by-wire system and powered by enhanced RD-33 ser.3M engines. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-E".
- MiG-29UBM (Product 9.61)
- Two-seat training variant of the MiG-29M. Never built. Effectively continued under the designation 'MiG-29M2'.
- MiG-29M2 / MiG-29MRCA
- Two-seat version of MiG-29M. Identical characteristics to MiG-29M, with a slightly reduced ferry range of Template:Convert.<ref name="MiG-29M/M2_page">MiG-29M / "MiG-29M2." Template:Webarchive RAC MiG. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> RAC MiG presented in various air shows, including Fifth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (CIAAE 2004),<ref>"Latest MiG-29 planes to be flown." Template:Webarchive People's Daily Online. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> Aero India 2005,<ref>"Russian Aircraft Corporation 'MiG' at Aero India 2005." Template:Webarchive Rac MiG. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref><ref>Template:Usurped acig.org. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> MAKS 2005.<ref>Seaman, Richard. "MAKS 2005 highlights." Template:Webarchive richard-seaman.com. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> It was once given designation MiG-29MRCA for marketing purpose and now evolved into the current MiG-35.
- Template:AnchorMiG-29OVT
- The aircraft is one of the six pre-built MiG-29Ms before 1991, later received thrust vectoring engine and fly-by-wire technology. It served as a thrust-vectoring engine testbed and technology demonstrator in various air shows to show future improvement in the MiG-29M. It has identical avionics to the MiG-29M. The only difference in the cockpit layout is an additional switch to turn on vector thrust function. The two RD-133 thrust-vectoring engines, each features unique 3D rotating nozzles which can provide thrust vector deflection in all directions. However, despite its thrust-vectoring, other specifications were not officially emphasized. It is usually used as an aerobatic demonstrator and has been demonstrated along with the MiG-29M2 in various air shows around the world for potential export.<ref>"MiG-29VFT video from “Smotr” TV-series." Template:Webarchive Aviapedia. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref>
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- MiG-29K (Product 9.31)
- Naval variant based on MiG-29M, the letter "K" stands for "Korabelnogo bazirovaniya" (deck-based). It features folding wings, arrestor gear, and reinforced landing gear. Originally intended for the Admiral Kuznetsov class aircraft carriers, it had received series production approval from the Russian Ministry of Defence but was grounded in 1992 due to shift in military doctrine and financial difficulties.<ref name=Rac>"MiG-35/MiG-35D." Template:Webarchive Rac MiG. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> The MiG Corporation restarted the program in 1999. On 20 January 2004, the Indian Navy signed a contract of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB.<ref name=Rac/> Modifications were made for the Indian Navy requirement. Production MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB share a two-seater size canopy. The MiG-29K has radar absorbing coatings to reduce radar signature. Cockpit displays consist of wide HUD and three (seven on MiG-29KUB) colour LCD MFDs with a Topsight E helmet-mounted targeting system. It has a full range of weapons compatible with the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT.<ref>"MiG Corp. started series production of MiG-29K/KUB for Indian Navy." Template:Webarchive migavia.ru. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-D".
- MiG-29KUB (Product 9.47)
- Identical characteristic to the MiG-29K but with tandem twin seat configuration. The design is to serve as trainer for MiG-29K pilot and is full combat capable. The first MiG-29KUB developed for the Indian Navy made its maiden flight at the Russian Zhukovsky aircraft test centre on 22 January 2007.Template:Citation needed NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-D".
(MiG-35)_Russian_Air_Force_ZIA_UUBW_1_(33847794464).jpg){kind=link}
- MiG-35
- A development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB. NATO reporting code is "Fulcrum-F".
Operators
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- Algerian Air Force – 26 MiG-29s in service in January 2014.<ref name=2014_Aero>"World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2014 Aerospace: Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2014.</ref><ref name=World_Air_Forces_2014>Template:Cite web</ref> 14 MiG-29M/M2s on order.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 2023 there are 39 MiG-29 fighters and 1 UB trainer available, with 5 on order.<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.12</ref>
- Azerbaijani Air Forces – 12 MiG-29s and 3 UB trainers operational in 2023.<ref name=2014_Aero/><ref name=World_Air_Forces_2014/><ref name="World Air Forces p.13">2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.13</ref>
- Bangladesh Air Force – 6 MiG-29SEs (9.12SE)Template:Sfn and 2 MiG-29UBs in service as of 2021. Four MiG-29SEs were upgraded for life extension in Belarus. Rest were upgraded in 2021–2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Belarusian Air Force – 33 MiG-29s in inventory as of 2024<ref name="World Air Forces p.13"/>
- Bulgarian Air Force – 11 MiG-29s and 3 MiG-29UB used for conversion training in inventory as of 2025.<ref name="IISS212">Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force – 4 MiG-29s in inventory as of 2023<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.16</ref>
- Egyptian Air Force – 46 MiG-29Ms delivered by 2021, with some lost on the ground in Sudan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Eritrean Air Force – 7 MiG-29s in service as of 2022, but none active in 2023<ref name=2014_Aero/><ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.22</ref>
- Indian Air Force – 61 MiG-29s in service as of 2024.<ref name="India Today-2020">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref>
- Indian Naval Air Arm – 42 MiG-29Ks in service as of 2024<ref name="India Today-2020" /><ref name=":0" />
- Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force – 19 MiG-29s in operation as of 2023 according to Flight Global.<ref name="World Air Forces 2023">Template:Cite web</ref> Iran purchased 20 MiG-29 (9.12B) and 4 MiG-29UB aircraft in 1989.Template:Sfn They attempted to purchase 48 more in 1992, but the deal fell through.Template:Sfn They had received 9 from Iraq, according to RSK MiG.Template:Sfn
- Libyan National Army − Some MiG-29s in service as of February 2024.Template:Sfn Operated by mercenary pilots.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Mongolian Air Force - 6 MiG-29UBs in service as of December 2021.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> That number fell to 2 operational UBs in 2023.<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.24</ref>
- Myanmar Air Force – 31 MiG-29s(6 SE, 20 SM(mod) and 5 UB) in January 2015.<ref name=2015_Aero>"World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2015 Aerospace: Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2015</ref> 10 are upgraded to MiG-29SM(mod) standard.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 2023, 28 fighters and 5 UB trainers remain.<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, pp.24-25</ref>
- Korean People's Air Force – 18 MiG-29s (6 9.12B, 3 S-13 and 2 UB) as of July 2023.<ref name="Mitzer-2020" />
- Peruvian Air Force – 19 MiG-29s in service as of February 2021<ref name="IISS212"/> Only 6 were available by the end of 2023.<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.27</ref>
- Polish Air Force – 11 MiG-29s and 3 MiG-29UB used for conversion training in service as of 2025.<ref name="IISS212" /> 10 transferred to Ukraine in 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Russian Aerospace Forces – 87 total<ref name="IISS22">Template:Cite book</ref> consisting of 70 MiG-29/MiG-29UB, 15 MiG-29SMT and 2 MiG-29UBT in service as of 2022.<ref name="IISS22"/> At least 256 MiG-29 in service according to World Air Forces as of 2025.<ref name="World Air Forces 2025">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Russian Naval Aviation – 24 MiG-29Ks<ref name="IISS212" />
- Serbian Air Force and Air Defence – 14 MiG-29s (5 MiG-29Аs, 3 MiG-29Bs,Template:Efn 3 MiG-29Ss, 3 MiG-29UBs) in inventory as of 2025, 11 of which are modernized to the advanced MiG-29SMT standards while 3 (MiG-29UB) are used as a conversion trainer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Sudanese Air Force – 10 fighters and 1 UB trainer in service as of January 2023<ref name=WAF2017>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="World Air Forces p.30">2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.30</ref>
- Turkmen Air Force – 24 MiG-29s in use as of 2023<ref name=2014_Aero/><ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.32</ref>
- Ukrainian Air Force – 37 to 70 MiG-29s in use as of March 2019<ref name="Kyiv Post, 2019">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 2023 it is estimated that 47 fighters and 8 UB trainers are operational.<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p. 32.</ref> As of 8 March 2025, Ukraine lost 30 MiG-29s and 3 damaged on ground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Used by private defense contractor RAVN Aerospace for adversary training services.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces – 60 MiG-29s were operation as of January 2014.<ref name=2014_Aero/> Only 38 MiG 29s of all type were available in 2023.<ref name="World Air Forces p.34">2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.34</ref>
- Yemeni Air Force – 24 in service as of January 2017.<ref name=WAF2017/> All grounded because of civil war. Many were destroyed on the ground during the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm in 2015.<ref>Template:Harvnb</ref> 23 reported available in 2023.<ref name="World Air Forces p.34"/>
Former operators
- Template:Flag – The Chadian Air Force received 3 MiG-29s<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> from Ukraine in 2015.<ref name="Chad">Template:Cite web</ref> None operational as of 2024.<ref>2024 World Air Forces, Flight Global, p.15</ref>
- Template:Flag – Received 18 MiG-29s and two MiG-29UB aircraft. Although six were capable of delivering nuclear weapons, the necessary equipment for this was removed as per the CFE treaty. All passed onto successor states.
- Template:Flag – Inherited nine MiG-29 and one MiG-29UB. All sold to Poland in 1995 in exchange for 11 W-3A Sokol helicopters. Replaced with Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
- Template:Flag – 24 absorbed into the West German Air Force upon reunification.
- Template:Flag – One crashed, one on display, 22 sold to Poland in 2003 for €22 ($Template:To USD).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Template:Flag – 28 in inventory as of January 2011.<ref name=2011_Aero>"World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2011 Aerospace: Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2011.</ref> Reportedly stored outside.<ref name="Failed_Hungarian_Auction"/> The last fighter was retired in December 2010,<ref>"Vége, ennyi volt... (A MiG-29 és üzemeltetőik emlékére)." Template:Webarchive JETfly Magazin. Retrieved 5 October 2012.</ref> at which point only 4 aircraft were still in operational condition.<ref name="Failed_Hungarian_Auction"/> In 2011 the Hungarian government intended to sell six MiG-29 9.12 and two MiG-29UB aircraft. Replaced with JAS 39 Gripen but kept in reserve if needed.<ref>"MIG-29-est vegyenek!" Template:Webarchive nol.hu. Népszabadság, 12 August 2011.</ref> In October 2017, the Hungarian Air Force announced that 23 MiG-29s were to be auctioned off including engines and spare parts in November.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The online auction had a reservation price of €8.7 million and failed to attract any bidders. This might have been because of an agreement between Hungary and Russia requiring the manufacturer's (Russia's) approval to transfer ownership of the aircraft.<ref name="Failed_Hungarian_Auction">Template:Cite news</ref>
- Template:Flagcountry – Received 37 MiG-29s during Saddam Hussein's era (MiG-29 9.12B and MiG-29UB); these were destroyed or written off and nine were reportedly flown to Iran.Template:Sfn
- Template:Flaglist – Leased from Poland in 1997.<ref>"US buys Su-27 fighters from Ukraine for ‘aggressor’ training." Template:Webarchive defencetalk.com, 13 May 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref><ref>"IAF Magazine: The “Sting” has landed" Template:Webarchive iaf.co.il</ref>
- Template:Flag - Kazakh Air and Air Defence Forces – 23 MiG-29s as of 2023. These were retired in 2023, put up for auction in October 2023, and reportedly sold in April 2024 to the US. It was speculated that these would be transferred to Ukraine as spare parts sources and/or decoys.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In a later statement, the Kazakh state-owned weapons importer and exporter Kazspetexport denied such claims, saying that foreign companies were not allowed to bid.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Template:Flag – Retired 15 MiG-29N and 2 MiG-29UB in 2017 for lack of spare parts and engine problem.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Replaced with Sukhoi Su-30MKM.Template:Citation needed
- Template:Flag – Not operational,<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2014/> six MiG-29S in storage. In the 1990s, a total of six were sold to the US for type evaluation testing.<ref>DefenseLink News Transcript, DoD News Briefing: Cooperative Threat Reduction Initiative Template:Webarchive</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Template:Flag – 17 MiG-29 9.12A and five MiG-29UB were delivered from 1989,<ref>"Romanian International Air Show." Template:Webarchive targeta.co.uk. Retrieved 1 August 2010.</ref> 1 MiG-29S received from Moldova in 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Retired in 2003.Template:Sfn
- Template:Flag – Inherited from Yugoslavia, six destroyed in 1999.<ref name=acig/>
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- Template:Flag – Slovakia operated in total 24 MiG-29s. 9 MiG-29 9.12A and 1 MiG-29UB were inherited from Czechoslovakia. From 1993 to 1995 Slovakia ordered 12 additional MiG-29 9.12A and 2 MiG-29UB fighters as compensation for Russian debt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 12 aircraft were upgraded by the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG and Western companies in 2007 and 2008 to fulfill the NATO requirements,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and were maintained by Russian military technicians at Sliač Air Base.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They were officially withdrawn from service on 31 August 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Slovakia's Foreign Minister Rastislav Káčer has said that his country is prepared to transfer their fleet of MiG-29s to Ukraine. He said: "We have not yet handed [Ukraine] the MiG-29s. But we are ready to do it. We are talking with our NATO partners about how to do it," and such a package would involve "several thousand" missiles.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Slovakia transferred the first four of its MiG-29 fighter jets, from 13 to be sent to Ukraine on 24 March 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Template:Flag – Received between 6 and 12 MiG-29s from either Moldova and Russia, or Moldova only, in 1994.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Template:Flag – Passed on to successor states.
- Template:Flag – Syrian Arab Air Force had 20 MiG-29s in service with 12 more on order as of January 2017.<ref name=WAF2017/> 29 available as of 2023.<ref name="World Air Forces p.30"/>Template:Update inline
- Template:Flagcountry – 14 MiG-29 and 2 MiG-29UB, passed on to Serbia and Montenegro.<ref name=acig>Template:Usurped, acig.org. Retrieved 28 March 2013.</ref>
Aircraft on display
- Czech Republic
- On display at the Prague Aviation Museum in Prague.<ref>Letecké muzeum Kbely láká na unikát. Slavnou sovětskou stíhačku MiG-29, Novinky CZ, Template:Webarchive Retrieved 26 May 2016.</ref>
- Canada
- One MiG-29UB cockpit on display at Jet Aircraft Museum in London, Ontario, painted in Ukrainian colours.Template:Cn
- Germany
- 29+03 – MiG-29G on display at the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in Berlin.<ref name= Bundeswehr/> This airframe is the only remaining German MiG-29 in Germany. It was previously on display in Laage before being moved to the Luftwaffenmuseum der Bundeswehr in 2006 as part of the exhibition "50 Jahre Luftwaffe".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Hungary
- One MiG-29 is on display with other older MiG planes and helicopters at The RepTár Museum of Szolnok, Hungary.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Efn
- India
- KB-732 – On display as a gate guardian at Ojhar Air Force Station in Nasik, Maharashtra.<ref name= "WarbirdsofIndia">Template:Cite web</ref>
- KB-741 – On display at the Technical Type Training (TETTRA) School in Pune, Maharashtra.<ref name="WarbirdsofIndia" />
- Latvia
- 9-52 – MiG-29UB on display at the Riga Aviation Museum in Riga. This airframe is the second MiG-29UB prototype. After 213 test flights around Moscow between 23 August 1982 and 10 April 1986, it was disassembled and parts of the wings and tails were re-used in prototype (9–16). The remains were shipped to Riga Military Aviation Engineers High School, and later handed over to the Riga Aviation Museum in 1994, where it is currently displayed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The remains of this prototype is in a very bad condition, with open fuselage panels and a partly broken canopy.Template:Citation needed
- Malaysia
- M43-06 – MiG-29N on display as gate guardian at Al-Sultan Abdullah Camp in Kuantan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="mig29putrajaya"/>
- M43-14 – MiG-29N on display as a monument in Dataran Pahlawan complex, Putrajaya.<ref name="mig29putrajaya">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Poland
- MiG-29G on display at the Muzeum Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- MiG-29GT on display at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków. This aircraft was sold by Germany to Poland in 2002 and briefly served in the Polish Air Force.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Romania
- 67 – On display at the National Museum of Romanian Aviation in Bucharest.Template:Citation needed
- Russia
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- On display at the Central Air Force Museum in Monino. Painted as "Blue 01".Template:Citation neededThis airframe is the first prototype MiG-29.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- On display at the Central Air Force Museum in Monino. Painted as "Blue 03".Template:Citation needed
- 2960710039 – MiG-29 9.13Template:Sfn On display at the Central Air Force Museum in Monino. Painted as "Blue 70".Template:Citation needed
- 2960718121 – MiG-29 9.13Template:Sfn On display at the Central Air Force Museum in Monino. Painted as "Blue 51".Template:Citation needed
- On display at the Central Air Force Museum in Monino. Painted as "Blue 18". This airframe is a MiG-29KVP.Template:Citation needed
- 2960705560 – On display at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow. Painted as "Blue 26".Template:Citation needed
- On display at the Vadim Zadorozhny Technical Museum in Khimki. Painted as "Blue 04".Template:Citation needed
- On display at the Central Armed Forces Museum in Moscow. Painted as "Red 02",Template:Citation needed
- Slovakia
- 8605 – MiG-29 9.12ATemplate:Sfn on display in Museum of Aviation in Košice<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 7501 – MiG-29 9.12ATemplate:Sfn on display at Sliač Air Force Base in Sliač. Normally not accessible to public.
- 9308 – MiG-29 9.12ATemplate:Sfn on display in Vojenské historické múzeum Piešťany (Military History Museum Piešťany) in Piešťany.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 5817 – MiG-29 9.12ATemplate:Sfn on display in Vojenské historické múzeum Piešťany<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 5515 – MiG-29 9.12ATemplate:Sfn on display in Vojenské historické múzeum Piešťany.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- United States
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- 2960512124 – MiG-29 9.12Template:Sfn On display at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- 2960717458 – MiG-29 9.13Template:Sfn On display at the airpark at Naval Air Station Fallon near Fallon, Nevada.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2960717473 – MiG-29 9.13Template:Sfn On display at the Threat Training Facility at Nellis Air Force Base near North Las Vegas, Nevada.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2960516761 – MiG-29 9.12Template:Sfn on display in the Cold War Gallery of the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2960516766 – MiG-29 9.12Template:Sfn On display at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Loan">Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2960721930 – MiG-29 9.13Template:Sfn On display at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 50903012038 – MiG-29UB on display at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.<ref name="Loan" />
Airworthy
- N29UB – MiG-29UB owned by Jared Isaacman.<ref name= faar20210915>Template:Cite web</ref> It was previously owned by the Flying Heritage Collection in Everett, Washington. The aircraft was obtained from Eastern Europe in early 2009. The aircraft has an FAA approved maintenance program and is flyable.<ref name=fhdc20140514>Template:Cite web</ref>
- N129XX<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> – MiG-29UB owned by RAVN Aerospace (formerly Air USA) and located at the Quincy Regional Airport in Quincy, Illinois. This aircraft was purchased by Don Kirlin from Kyrgyzstan.<ref name= "Hoffman">Template:Cite magazine</ref> It is available for contract training and flight testing.<ref name="Aircraft">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Two MiG-29UBs in flying condition were offered for sale from Eastern Europe in spring 2009. These aircraft come from the same source as the flyable aircraft (N129UB) previously owned by the Historic Flight FoundationTemplate:Sfn<ref name= fhdc20140514/> and now owned by Jared Isaacman.<ref name= faar20210915/>Template:Update after
Specifications (MiG-29)
Accidents and incidents
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The Indian air force and navy have purchased 80 and 45 aircraft of their respective variants, and have lost 20 and five aircraft from 1989 to 2024, respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 8 May 2020, an IAF MiG-29 from the 223 Squadron crashed near Jalandhar in Punjab with its pilot ejected safely after the aircraft failed to respond.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- On 2 September 2024, a MiG-29 (KBU-3112) of IAF's 47 Squadron crashed during a night training mission in an unpopulated area near Uttarlai of Barmer district in Rajasthan due to technical reasons, and the pilot ejected safely.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- On 4 November 2024, a MiG-29 (KBU-711) of the 28 Squadron crashed enroute from Adampur to Agra during a routine training mission due to technical issues. The aircraft stalled and eventually entered a flat spin before the crash, with the pilot ejecting safely.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In popular culture
See also
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Notes
References
Bibliography
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- Jenkins, Dennis R. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Supreme Heavy-Weight Fighter. Arlington, TX: Aerofax, 1998. Template:ISBN.
- Lake, Jon. "Mikoyan MiG-29 'Fulcrum'". World Air power Journal. Volume 4, Winter 1990/91. London: Aerospace Publishing. pp. 44–91. Template:ISBN. Template:ISSN.
- Template:Citation.
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- North, David M. MiG-29 Pilot Report, part 1 Template:Webarchive Part 2 Template:Webarchive
- Spick, Mike, ed. "MiG-29 'Fulcrum'". "The Flanker". Great Book of Modern Warplanes. St. Paul, MN: MBI Publishing, 2000. Template:ISBN.
External links
- MiG-29/-29UB/-29SE, MiG-29SD, MiG-29SMT, upgraded MiG-29UB, and MiG-29K/KUB, MiG Corporation.
- MiG-29 Flight manual
- German Luftwaffe's former MiG-29 Staffel 1./JG 73 "Steinhoff" in Laage, Fabulous Fulcrums.
- MiG-29, Milavia.
- Cuban MiG-29, Narod.
- Intensive Finnish study on positive and negative features of the MiG-29 fighter, Sci.fi.
- Template:Citation.
- The Truth About the MiG-29, Airspace mag.
Template:Mikoyan aircraft Template:YAF aircraft Template:USAF/DoD reporting names