The Indian Navy has officially inducted the MiG-29K air dominance fighter aircraft into its fleet at INS Hansa, Vasco da Gama, Goa.
Defence Minister AK Anthony said the induction of the MiG-29K fighters into the naval inventory fulfilled a long-standing requirement.
“With today’s induction of the MiG-29K, coupled with future inductions of aircraft carriers, our navy’s capability will see a quantum jump,” he said.
Designed by Mikoyan Gurevich bureau, the MiG-29K is the latest and most potent fighter jet. It will be equipped with anti-aircraft beyond-visual-range missiles, guided anti-ship missiles, smart guided bombs and rockets.
The new MiG-29K is a fifth-generation aircraft that incorporates advanced weapon systems, navigation systems, instrumentation, flight controls and safety systems.
The MiG-29Ks are expected to be deployed on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, formerly Admiral Gorshkov, once it arrives in late 2012 or early 2013.
The India Navy will induct a total of 45 MiG-29Ks into its fleet, of which four were delivered to INS Hansa in December 2009.
