Let me sum up the new MiG 29K's:
These MiG 29K's have no similarities with the regular MiG 29's apart from the structure or shape of the regular MiG 29's used in IAF. Even in that too, the wings can be folded, and composites have been used to a large extent to reduce RCS and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
These planes are basically designed on the basis of MiG 29M1 model. This model is essentially a precursor of the develpoment of MiG 35, ie the predecessor of MiG 35. MiG 29K has more than a few similarities with the MiG 35, apart from that has beeen customized by India. ie India specifically has asked exactly for what to put in and what things to use, etc, etc and as per what was revealed to me, has Israeli avionics, EW suite and many more things.
BTW the EW suite will probably be Mayawi that was co-developed with Israel for LCA and F-35. What do you guys think? Is it a different EW suite??
Its a
QUANTUM leap for the IN, which was till now using old Sea Harriers. IN is sending its pilots to IAF for training on the MiG 29's. This plane will indeed give them proper deep strike ability. Sea Harriers would not be able to fight modern planes like F-16's.
Its a tad odd to see that IN has far more advanced MiG 29's than compared to IAF's MiG 29's. IAF MiG 29's even though upgraded will not be able to match these MiG 29K's.
Its more than likely that once Vikraant goes, the Sea Harriers will be used for regular sorties to keep a watch on the skies, give an early warning and hold enemy planes till the big guns come, ie either this MiG 29K from the carriers, or shore based Su-30MKI's and MiG 35MKI's and who knows maybe F/A-18E/F's??