Russia has begun production of a new batch of MiG-29K / KUB Fulcrum-D carrier fighters for the Indian Navy, a MiG aircraft corporation spokesman has said.

The Indian Navy awarded a $1.5bn contract to MiG in 2010 for the delivery of the fighters, according to RIA Novosti.

As per the contract, Russia will supply 29 MiG-29K jets, with 24 fighters expected to fly from India’s INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.

Deliveries will begin in 2012 and the jets will be based at an air field in Goa on India’s west coast until the carrier joins the service in early 2013.