India’s MiG-29 Gets Upgrade Ahead Of Air Force Day Celebrations, Capabilities Like Mid-Air Refuelling Added 

Indian Air Force’s Mig-29 aircraft has been given an upgrade shortly before the Air Force Day celebrations. The Russian origin aircraft can now undergo fuelling mid-air and has been fitted with the latest missiles. The aircraft can now launch multi-dimensional attacks, reported Times of India.

India will celebrate Air Force day on Monday (8 October).

The aircraft played a crucial role in winning the Kargil War in 1999. The upgraded Mig-29 was put to test last week at Adampur Air Force Station. It also has a Multi-Functional Display (MFD) screen now.

The IAF is actually short of fighter jets as it has only 31 squadrons as opposed to the sanctioned strength of 42. IAF Chief Marshal B S Dhanoahad was quoted by Times of India as saying, “Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries.”

Adampur Air Force Station is strategically located 100 km away from Pakistan and 250 km from China. The IAF has three squadrons of MiG-29 in operation, out of which two are at Adampur. A squadron generally has 16-18 aircraft.

If the MiG-29 spots a hostile jet, it can take off within five minutes and destroy enemy aircraft. With the upgrade, MiG can do air to air, air to ground and anti-shipping operations.