Unleashing a storm from the decks of aircraft carriers, the MiG-29K Fulcrum roars into the sky, a symbol of naval air power that’s not confined to Russian waters. With arresting hooks and reinforced landing gear, this fighter jet defies the challenges of sea-based operations, mastering the art of catapult launches and deck landings.
Soaring over the Indian Ocean, it’s the backbone of India’s naval air arm, a testament to its adaptability and international reach.
The Mikoyan MiG-29K (Russian: Микоян МиГ-29K; NATO reporting name: Fulcrum-D) is a Russian all-weather carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau. The MiG-29K was developed in the late 1980s from the MiG-29M. Mikoyan describes it as a 4+ generation aircraft.
Production standard MiG-29Ks differ from prototypes in features such as a multi-function radar and several new cockpit displays; the adoption of HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) controls; the integration of RVV-AE (also known as R-77) air-to-air missiles, along with missiles for anti-ship and anti-radar operations; and several ground/strike precision-guided weapons.
MiG-29KR of the Russian Navy on display at Kubinka Airbase
In the early 1990s only two MiG-29K prototypes were built because the Russian Navy preferred the Su-27K (later re-designated Su-33). Mikoyan continued its MiG-29K development despite the lack of financing since 1992.
Mikoyan MiG-29K of the Indian Navy in flight over Indian islands
The programme received a boost in the late 1990s with India’s requirement for a ship-borne fighter following the purchase of a former Soviet aircraft carrier. India received its first MiG-29K by the Indian Naval Air Arm in 2009. The Russian Navy, with their Su-33s nearing the end of their service lives by 2010, has also ordered the MiG-29K as a replacement.
Top Photo: MiG-29K (9-41) carrier-based multirole fighter at MAKS-2007 airshow
Sources: YouTube; Wikipedia