SOURCE: AFI
A striking monument stands tall at the Maintenance Command Headquarters in Vayu Sena Nagar, Nagpur: a MiG-29 fighter jet. This particular aircraft, bearing the serial number KB3298, holds a unique place in the annals of Indian Air Force history.
Introduced around 2005, it was the first MiG-29 to be publicly displayed in India. However, its journey to becoming a static display was far from ordinary. The aircraft had suffered a significant drop tank accident at Adampur Air Force Station, resulting in damage so extensive that a full restoration was deemed economically impractical.
Despite being classified as a total loss, the IAF decided to salvage what could be saved from this iconic fighter jet. The airframe was meticulously rebuilt and mounted as a gate guard at the Maintenance Command Headquarters. Interestingly, the restoration was so thorough that the aircraft retains its airworthy appearance, with even the intake doors closed.
Today, MiG-29 KB3298 stands as a testament to the IAF’s dedication to preserving its heritage while showcasing the formidable capabilities of this once-mighty fighter jet.