The Indian Air Force is said to be in advanced negotiations for urgently acquire 21 Mig-29to Russia. Despite the imminent arrival of the 36 Rafales ordered from France, and the 100 Tejas of local invoice, the IAF is unable to increase the number of its operational squadrons, today 31 against 42 planned.
The order of 21 Russian MIG-29s, like that of 18 Su-30MKIs assembled by HAL, aims to increase the number of operational squadrons in the short term, while controlling costs.
The order is estimated at 6000 Crore, a little less than $900 million. The exact version of the MIG-29s ordered is not specified, although it is indicated that it would be a modernized version of the device.
The IAF today operates 3 squadrons of MIG-29, 66 aircraft, acquired in the 8s, and modernized since 2008. The Indian Navy operates 45 Mig-29K/KUB from its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditaya.