Russia delivers first MiG-35 Fulcrum-F fighter to India. This is part of a tender for 126 medium-sized multi-role combat aircraft. Shown for the first time at the Aerto India-2007 air show, the RD-33 vectored-thrust engine gives this fighter increased maneuverability. This latest fighter delivery includes a fifth-generation radar called the Zhuk-AE featuring active phased array antenna capable of acting as a communication array, providing friend from foe identification, electronic reconnaissance and jamming as well as other advanced features. The MiG-35's optoelectronics provides state-of-the-art digital control, and the ability to engage air born, ground and sea based targets.
The MiG corporation is also looking to deliver carrier-based MiG-29KUBs, which, like the MiG-35, is designed for air-superiority in offensive and defensive roles using precision guided air-to-air and underwater weapons, as well as being an all weather fighter. This new fighters come as India decided to build a new aircraft carrier - Air Defense Ship (ADS), scheduled to enter service in 2012.
Nikolai Buntin, the MiG-29KUB designer, boasts its increased payload, greater reliability, increased flying hours. The airframe is manufactured using composite materials and is equipped with the new RD-33K Sea Wasp with digital controls, a 7% increase in thrust and a service life of 4,000 hours, and is jointly developed with its Indian partners.
Russia and India are key military-technical partners from "seller-buyer relationship to joint research and co-production" as quoted by Sergei Ivanov.
source: RN&IA (en.rian.ru)
