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SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s MiG-29K, a pivotal asset in its naval air arm, is set to make a significant debut at the Aero India 2025 air show, scheduled to run from February 10 to 14 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. This year, the MiG-29K will not only be a part of the static display but will also showcase its recent upgrades, highlighting advancements in its armament and avionics suite.

The MiG-29K, known as the backbone of the Indian Naval Air Arm, has been instrumental in extending India’s maritime air power, particularly since its induction in 2010. Its capacity to operate from aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant underscores its strategic importance.

This year’s Aero India event will be particularly special as the MiG-29K will be displayed with a suite of newly integrated systems and weapons, demonstrating the Indian Navy’s commitment to keeping its fleet at the cutting edge of technology:

  • Enhanced Avionics: The aircraft now features an upgraded glass cockpit, which includes sophisticated navigation guidance systems and improved air-to-ground (A2G) combat capabilities. These enhancements allow for better situational awareness and precision in combat scenarios.
  • New Armament: The MiG-29K has been equipped with a variety of indigenous and international weaponry, including the integration of the Astra missile series and various smart bombs and missiles, enhancing its multirole capabilities.
  • Mission Computer Upgrade: A significant upgrade includes a new mission computer developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is more powerful than its predecessor and supports the integration of indigenous missiles, precision-guided munitions (PGMs), and stand-off weapons (SOWs). This move was necessitated after Russia declined to provide source codes or upgrade the existing system, leading to a push for self-reliance in defense technology.