SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a bid to bolster its fighter jet fleet amidst ongoing shortages, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to extend the service life of its MiG-29UPG fighter jets. The service branch plans to implement a second life extension program to increase the operational lifespan of these aircraft from 40 to 50 years.
Originally slated for retirement in 2027, the MiG-29UPG fleet will now remain in service until 2035. This decision comes in response to the IAF’s pressing need for fighter aircraft, as the induction of the Tejas MkII, its intended replacement, is facing delays.
The Tejas MkII, which is expected to start arriving in 2030, will initially replace the ageing Jaguar fleet before gradually phasing out the MiG-29UPG squadrons from 2035 onwards. Furthermore, the IAF aims to replace the Mirage-2000-5 fighters with the Tejas MkII after 2035.
By 2035, the IAF anticipates having around 80 Tejas MkII aircraft in its inventory. Until then, extending the service life of the MiG-29UPG fleet is seen as a crucial step to maintaining adequate air power.
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