Russia Offers Made In India MiG-35s To Indian Air Force; Claims To Be 20 Per Cent Cheaper Than Competitors

Russian aerospace major RAC MiG that offers the new MiG-35 fighter jet to India has informed that it is ready to localise the production of the plane, reports The Tribune.

“At present, we are the number one plane in the world and offers to localise the MiG-35 production in India.” MiG Director General Tarasenko Ilya reportedly said at Aero India.

“We have been here for more than 50 years (MiG-21 arrived in India in 1963). We have had excellent cooperation with India in the past and will continue it.” Tarasenko said.

MiG is one among the seven companies bidding for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) tender seeking 110 fighter jets.

Tarasenko said, “We will meet all requirements of the MoD. One of the requirements is Make in India". The company has already showcased new technologies including the technological advancements of the MiG-35.

Currently, Indian Air Force (IAF) operates 110 MiG-21 and MiG-27 jets which are due to be phased out soon. The IAF also operates MiG-29 jets while the Navy uses the MiG-29K.

The company has reportedly claimed that the MiG-35 would be 20 per cent cheaper than the compared to models offered by the competitors on a similar category.

There is no need to disassemble MiG-35 for maintenance and upgrade, it can be done by replacing the module. Moreover, the replacement of the propulsion unit (the engine) takes only 58 minutes in field conditions.

The MiG-35 would be reportedly armed with new types of guided and unguided air-attack systems that provides effectiveness in combat against air and ground targets. It would also house a new optronic sighting, navigation system and AESA radar.

The company has also reportedly set up a new public joint stock company United Aircraft Corporation as a part of the after-sales service concept.