How MiG-29K fighter planes will enhance Indian Navy’s striking power

[Ashoka The Great]

Defence Minister A K Antony commissioned warfare aircraft MiG-29K Black Panther squadron into the Indian Navy.We take a look at some amazing facts about Indian Navy’s latest acquisition:

The MIG-29K (K stands for ‘Korabelny’ meaning “Carrier Borne” in Russian) is a potent carrier borne fighter.The aircraft is armed with its arsenal of weapons including advanced anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, precision bombs and sophisticated system to support weapon delivery.The MiG-29Ks, with a range of 1,300km and a service ceiling of 58,000-feet, are capable of STOBAR (short takeoff but arrested recovery) operations.
They are armed with R-73 and RVV-AE guided air-to-air missiles, Kh-35E anti-ship missiles, KAB 500KR/OD TV guided bombs and S-8KOM rockets.The MiG-29Ks – the first 16 of the 45 fighters ordered from Russia for over $2 billion – began arriving in India a couple of years ago.These are India’s first-ever squadron of naval supersonic fighters, which will eventually operate from the decks of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya ( Admiral Gorshkov) as well as the indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC).

Naval officials said that MiG-29 K is a potent carrier borne fighter, which, once integrated with INS Vikramaditya will bolster the Navy’s punch with its multi-role capability.Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya is likely to be commissioned later this year.The aircraft tagged as new era fighter were inducted into the Indian Navy in February 2010 following which it underwent trials before the actual commissioning.


The commissioning was held at INS Hansa which would be the base for Black Panther squadron along with other fighter aircraft squadrons of Indian Navy.The squadron initially comprising 16 aircraft would be known as IANS 303.The aircraft will not only be able to dominate the air in all spectrum of conflict but simultaneously project power to meet the nation’s military objectives.This lethal fighter aircraft will enhance Indian Navy’s capability to exercise air superiority in its area of influence. It will also decisively enhance the core of Navy’s striking power.

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