Indian Navy to induct Mig-29K fighter jets on Feb. 19
NEW DELHI, — The Indian Navy is to induct Russian-made MiG 29K fighter jets into its marine fleet for aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov on Feb. 19 in the western state of Goa, where the ship is currently docked, Defense Ministry sources said.
“On Feb.19, a squadron of four fighter jets will be deployed on Admiral Gorshkov. The squadron has been codenamed Black Panthers. The Navy acquired the fighter jets in December last year. The induction ceremony will take place at Goa’s INS Hansa naval base. A Russian team is in the base to help with the induction,” the sources said.
The fighter jets will start operation after Admiral Gorshkov, rechristened as INS Vikramaditya, is delivered for operation in 2012, the sources said.
The jets were purchased by the Indian Navy as part of the 740 million U.S. dollar contract signed in January 2004 for Admiral Gorshkov, which has been renamed INS Vikramaditya.
India and Russia last month signed another 1.2 billion U.S. dollar deal under which the Indian Navy would acquire 29 additional MiG-29Ks, bringing the total number of MiG-29Ks on order to 45.
MiG 29K fighter jet
The MiG-29K multirole carrier-based fighter is designed to air cover the ship grouping, gain air superiority and destroy sea surface and ground targets with guided high-precision weapons, day and night, in any weather. The jets are also capable of playing the role of an air refueller. (Xinhua)
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