Russia helps keep Syria's MiG-29s flying

Documents released by RAC MiG have revealed some details about the upgrade of Syria's MiG-29 multirole fighters.
The company's 2011 annual report stated that four MiG-29s had been upgraded to the MiG-29SM standard for Syria. The report was taken down and later republished with the reference to Syria removed, emphasising the sensitive nature of the deal. The original version of the report also revealed that RAC MiG had opened an office in Damascus.
The number of MiG-29s acquired by Syria still remains a mystery with estimates ranging between 84 and 22. What is known is that there are one or two operational MiG-29 squadrons at the Sayqal Airbase and possibly more MiG-29s operating from Tiyas Airbase.
As Syrian MiG-29s use the 9.12 airframe, which differs from the MiG-29SM's 9.13M airframe, RAC MiG developed a special variant to suit Syria's needs.
Given the current conflict, arguably the most important upgrade is the ability to carry an expanded arsenal of air-to-ground weaponry, including Kh-29T/TE (AS-14 'Kedge') and Kh-31A/P (AS-17 'Krypton') missiles and KAB-500KR guided bombs. Other laser-guided weaponry could also be used by fitting a targeting pod or illuminating the target externally.
While Syrian Mig-29s have been filmed carrying out ground attack missions with guns and unguided rockets, it is unclear if they have been using guided munitions.
The upgrade also enables the aircraft to carry the R-77 (AA-12 'Adder') air-to-air missile, which would pose a threat to foreign aircraft that may intervene in the conflict. MiG-29s have already been spotted in Syria carrying the AKU-170E rails required to launch the R-77, indicating Syria also has the missiles.
Another deal, recorded in RAC MiG's 2009 report, covered the repair of an unspecified number of Syrian MiG-23MLDs. Syria reportedly received around 30 MiG-23MLDs from Belarus in 2008 for spare parts, some of which have probably been taken into service. MiG-23MLDs with Syrian markings have been photographed at Russia's Krasnodar Airbase in recent years, indicating that the repaired aircraft were not those acquired from Belarus, but MiG-23s originally supplied to Syria by the Soviet Union and then subsequently upgraded to the MLD standard.
janes

RAC MiG contemplating a fifth-generation fighter based on MiG-35

RAC MiG is contemplating building a fifth-generation fighter which would use its current MiG-35 platform as a "foundation" for the introduction of new technologies.
RAC MiG President didn't detailed how advanced studies are, but believes it is very likely that the new combat type will be developed, and to be ordered.
The development wouldn't bring MiG into conflict with its sister airframer Sukhoi, which is developing its own stealthy type, the T-50/PAK-FA.
The two aircraft are quite different projects and each would be targeted to resolve different missions.
The maximum take-off weight of the current MiG-35 is around 5t lighter than that of the larger T-50, providing greater efficiency for the majority of projected missions.
However, in the meantime RAC MiG is still waiting for confirmation of a long-awaited order from Russia's defence ministry for the present MiG-35.
All the relevant documentation covering the deal for an undisclosed number of aircraft is with the Russian ministry of Defence.
Export orders are also being pursued, with Egypt recently linked to a commitment for 24 examples of the Klimov RD-33MK-powered type.
Additionally, in April RAC MiG received an order for 16 additional MiG-29SMTs for the Russian air force, which will keep the production line active until work can start on the newer model.
flightglobal

Russian Air Force to receive 16 MiG-29SMT in 2015-2016

Sixteen MiG-29SMT will join the Russian Air Force in 2015-2016. Eight planes will be shipped next year and another eight in 2016.
The contract is aimed at maintaining combat readiness of the Russian fleet of light fighters. The Russian Air Force had received 18 MiG-29SMT fighters in 2009-2010.
The MiG-29SMT is a qualitatively new version of the MiG-29 light frontline fighter. The plane may be equipped with a broad variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons and can efficiently destroy aerial, ground, and seaborne targets.
It was reported that the MiG-29SMT's combat efficiency had tripled compared to the basic MiG-29 version, and its operation costs had been reduced by some 40 percent.
voiceofrussia

Mystery Object in Near-collision May Be Russian UCAV

The Russian UCAV program revealed in 2007 might have reached the flight-test phase. The evidence comes from a near midair, reported by the pilots of two L-29 jet trainers belonging to a civilian flying club near Ulyanovsk. The L-29 pilots rapidly altered heading and altitude to escape collision with an unidentified flying object that they described as “a heavyweight unmanned air vehicle.”
The object was also detected by ATC radar, flying at 270 knots and nearly 7,000 feet. Approaching the L-29s from the rear, it might have flown into them if not for the controller warning the pilots. The object proceeded in the direction of Penza and disappeared from the radar screen. The pilots’ description indicates it was a jet-powered UCAV with swept wings. In theory, it might be an old Tupolev Tu-143 Reis reconnaissance UAV or a newer Tu-300 Korshun experimental UAV made during 1990s. Local media reported that the mysterious object bore greater similarity to the Skat.
Russian defense ministry denied knowledge of the incident. Just days before the incident, defense minister told journalists that funding for new UAV designs has been approved, with deliveries due by 2020. The Russian armed forces already operate about 500 UAVs.
RAC MiG exhibited the Skat UCAV at the MAKS 2007 airshow in Moscow as a full-scale mockup. The maker described it as a stealthy multipurpose UCAV intended for striking pre-located stationary targets and suppression of enemy air defense system in conditions of severe ECM and antiaircraft fire. The UCAV should be able to successfully engage hidden and heavily protected land and sea targets and conduct its operations either autonomously or as part of a larger aviation strike force.
ainonline

RAC MiG continues on “radical modernization” of the MiG-31

Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG and Aviadvigatel have confirmed that work continues on “radical modernization” of the MiG-31 Foxhound, with the focus on extending the performance of the aging, out-of-production Mach 3 interceptor so that it can carry out not only air-defense duties but also serve the recently established VKO, the Russian acronym for the country’s Air and Space Defense (Command). Under a directive from the Russian defense ministry, RAC MiG is working on new versions of the aircraft more capable than the current MiG-31BM.
The Russian government has decided to support MiG-31 development and modernization following heated discussions in parliament. Aviadvigatel has submitted reports about the current status of the D30-F6 fleet, the equipment used to manufacture it and the supply of parts. There were 1,500 engines and 500 airframes built. The existing MiG-31 fleet has amassed a moderate number of flying hours and their engines have a long lifetime remaining. There is a stock of engines and spares.
Russia currently has 180 MiG-31s. The aircraft first flew in 1976, and the follow-on MiG-31M first took to the sky in 1985. The MiG-31D appeared in 1987 and demonstrated its ability to fly at Mach 2.83 with six long-range air-to-air missiles on a typical 3.5-hour intercept mission. During a trial in 1994 a developmental MiG-31 destroyed a low-flying target from a distance of 162 nm (300 km).
The most recent variant, the MiG-31BM, is a multirole aircraft with the redeveloped Zaslon-M passive phased-array radar, capable of detecting up to 10 targets simultaneously at a range of up to 175 nm (324 km). It can employ the RVV-BD active radar-guided weapon, with a firing range of 108 nm (200 km). The MiG-31BM can also carry R-77 infrared-guided air-to-air missiles, Kh-31 air-to-surface missiles and KAB-500 EO/IR-guided bombs. The Sokol plant in Nizhny Novgorod continues to upgrade in-service aircraft to the MiG-31BM configuration at a rate of 15 aircraft per year. The facility has a Russian MoD contract for about 60 MiG-31BMs for delivery between 2011 and 2018.
ainonline

MiG Begins Testing New Russian Navy MIG-29K/KUB Fighter Jets

Russian aircraft maker MiG has started flight tests of series-produced MiG-29K/KUB carrier-based fighter jets slated for delivery to the Russian Navy.
The Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract with MiG in February 2012 for delivery of 20 MiG-29K single-seat and four MiG-29KUB two-seat carrier-based fighter aircraft.
MiG is expected to deliver the first four aircraft by the end of 2013.The aircraft will operate from Russia's sole serving carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, based in Murmansk with the Northern Fleet.
The Admiral Kuznetsov currently operates Sukhoi Su-33 naval fighter aircraft.
The MiG-29K is a naval variant of the MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jet, and has folding wings, an arrester tail-hook, strengthened airframe and multirole capability thanks to its Zhuk-ME slotted array radar. Unlike the Su-33, which is capable of air defense missions only, the MiG-29K can be armed with a wide variety of air-to-surface as well as air-to-air weaponry and laser-designation systems.
The aircraft is also capable of “buddy” refueling other MiG-29Ks using the PAZ-1MK refuelling pod.
So far, the aircraft has only entered service with India, for use on refitted Russian-built carrier INS Vikramaditya, due to be handed over to the Indian Navy on November 15.
ria.ru

Russian Air Force MiG-35 Deal ‘On Track’

Russia is not abandoning the purchase of MiG-35 fighter jets and could sign a deal next week at Moscow’s MAKS International Aviation and Space show, which will run from August 27 through September 1, while first deliveries could start in 2015-2016, he said.
Russian Air Force had postponed the purchase of 37 MiG-35’s until 2016 because the defense industry cannot fulfill the contract, and would buy 16 MiG-29SMT fighter jets instead.
The Mikoyan MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F) is a 4++ generation fighter jet and a modification of the MiG-29M. It is equipped with air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, as well as the Zhuk-A radar system.
ria-military-news/

Russian Military to Buy 16 MiG-29SMT

The Russian Defense Ministry and the MiG aircraft corporation have agreed the purchase of 16 MiG-29SMT fighter jets until 2016. The agreement is part of the government’s effort to keep the struggling combat aircraft maker afloat following the announced delay of the contract on the purchase of 37 MiG-35 fighters until after 2016. The MiG corporation will have three years to perfect the design of its MiG-35 aircraft and prepare its smooth transition to mass production.
rian

RAC MiG to design Skat-based unmanned combat air vehicle

RAC MiG has signed a research and development contract to build an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) based on its previous Skat design.
The deal, is for an autonomous system which requires minimal oversight once in flight. The Skat - a stealthy flying wing design - is the most sophisticated Russian UAV known. The country has had mixed success with developing unmanned systems, and has in the past purchased systems from Israel.

flightglobal