 |
| The Mikoyan MiG-29 Fighter Still Important on the Battlefields of Russia and Ukraine |
International Military - October 2022 marks 45 years since the first flight of one of the most iconic fighters of the Soviet Air Force, the Mikoyan MiG-29. Even though 45 years have passed, the MiG-29 has become an important role in the battles between Russia and Ukraine.
The MiG-29 was one of four Soviet fourth-generation tactical fighter jets being developed. It serves as a medium weight aircraft intended to outperform adversaries such as the F-16 and F-18 and challenge the US Air Force F-15 Eagle heavyweights.
Quoted from The Drive, Ukraine's most advanced MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jet, the uniquely upgraded MiG-29MU2. Based on a recent video, it is most likely still taking part in aerial combat against Russian aircraft and cruise missiles.
Quoted from Military Watch Magazine, this fighter is revolutionizing the limitations of flight performance with extreme maneuverability and climbing speed. Moreover, this aircraft is integrated with the R-73 air-to-air missile which is capable of long-range detection found in testing.
Another very prominent feature about the MiG-29 is its ability to be deployed from short or emergency runways. This makes it an ideal frontline fighter for deployment in Eastern Europe against NATO forces there. The MiG-29 has been deemed ideal for such situations and is much more difficult to land due to its much simpler runway.
The most capable MiG-29 variants based on the Soviet-built airframe include the MiG-29SMT and MiG-29UPG. The most capable variant overall is the MiG-29M and its naval derivative MiG-29K.
The MiG-29 remains in production in Russia today, although it is far from being the oldest fighter aircraft to continue to be built with the American F-15 and F-16 still on the production line.
The success of the Mikoyan Mig-29 fighter, making it widely regarded as the world's most capable fighter aircraft comfortably outperformed the F-15 in US testing. It has also been key to eroding demand for the MiG-29 both in Russia and for export clients.