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List of Mikoyan MiG-29 operators

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   In active service
   In active reserve
   Former operator
   Privately owned

This is a list of Mikoyan MiG-29 operators.

Europe

[edit]

 Belarus

[edit]
Two Belarusian Air Force MiG-29s

Belarus had 34 MiG-29 in service as of 2022.[1]

Belarusian Air Force

 Bulgaria

[edit]
Bulgarian MiG-29 with pair of R-27R (AA-10 Alamo) air-to-air missiles

Bulgaria had 13 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Bulgaria bought 15 MiG-29, before including 2 MiG-29UB. Also 4 MiG-29 in reserve. One aircraft disassembled in Bulgarian military factory. One MiG-29A crashed in 1994 and one MiG-29UB in 2004.[citation needed] They are scheduled to be replaced by F-16s by 2024.[2]

Bulgarian Air Force

 Poland

[edit]
Polish MiG-29A

Poland had 11 MiG-29s and 3 MiG-29UB used for conversion training in service as of 2024..[1] Poland bought 12 aircraft (nine MiG-29 9.12A and three MiG-29UB 9.51) from the Soviet Union between 1989 and 1990. Next ten ex-Czech aircraft (nine MiG-29A and one MiG-29UB) were exchanged with Czech Republic for 11 Polish PZL W-3 Sokół helicopters in 1996. Last 22 were handed over by Germany in 2003. In December 2017 a MiG-29A #67 from 23rd Air Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki crashed on approach. The pilot survived. In July 2018 a MiG-29A #4103 from 22nd Air Base in Malbork crashed near Elbląg during night flight. The pilot died after ejecting. In total Poland had 44 aircraft (36 MiG-29A and eight MiG-29UB) but only 30 aircraft were operational in two units.[citation needed]

Between 2001 and 2005 all aircraft were upgraded with domestic SC-10D2 Supraśl IFF, Rockwell Collins AN/ARN-153 (TCN 500) TACAN and ANV-241 MMR VOR/ILS receivers, Trimble 2101AP civilian GPS receiver, Thomson-CSF SB-14 radar warning receiver, RS 6113-2 VHF/UHF radio with R-862 control panel and new anti-collision lights.[3] Their service life was extended up to 4000 flight hour or until 2028. In 2011-2014 period 16 aircraft from the 23rd Air Base (former 1. elt) received second modernization package, consisting of MFCD 5"x7" multi-function display, MDP mission computer, Up-Front Control Panel (UFCP), Honeywell Enhanced GPS Inertial navigation system (EGI) with SAASM, MIL-STD-1553B data bus and Rockwell Collins AN/ARC-210 (Talon RT-8200) VHF/UHF radio, exploitation was changed from flight hours to be based on technical status.[4][5] All the units are to be replaced by F-35 Lightning II.

In March 2022, Poland sought to transfer all of its MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine,[6] following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the transfer was opposed by Poland's partners in other NATO countries, including the United States. Opposition relented in 2023 and 10 were transferred to Ukraine.[7]

Polish Air Force

 Russia

[edit]
MiG-29s of the Russian Air Force (left) and Russian Navy (right).

The Russian Aerospace Forces had 253 MiG-29s and MiG-35s in service as of 2024, while the Russian Naval Aviation had 22 MiG-29s in service as of 2024.[8] Russia had 260 MiG-29s in inventory as of 2021.[9]

Russian Aerospace Forces
Russian Naval Aviation[citation needed]
  • 100th Shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment

 Serbia

[edit]
Serbian MiG-29 with a pair of R-60 air-to-air missiles

Serbia had 13 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Serbia inherited four MiG-29B and one MiG-29UB from Yugoslavia.[10] Refurbished and returned to service in 2009. One MiG-29 crashed in 2009. By 2011, only 3 MiG-29s (2 single seaters and 1 dual seater) were operational.[11] In 2017, the Serbian government signed an agreement with their Russian counterparts for 4 MiG-29 and 2 MiG-29UB that were modernized. Belarus also donated 4 aircraft with a more modest modernization package. While the aircraft were donated, modernization was paid for by Serbia. Deliveries of all 10 aircraft were completed in 2021, bringing the total number to 14.[12]

Serbian Air Force

 Ukraine

[edit]
A Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29

Ukraine had 51 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Ukraine inherited hundreds of MiG-29s at the dissolution of the USSR.[citation needed] 37-70 MiG-29s were still in use as of March 2019[13][14]

Ukrainian Air Force
  • 204th Fighter Aviation Brigade
  • 9th Fighter Aviation Brigade
  • 114th Fighter Aviation Brigade
  • 40th Fighter Aviation Brigade

Asia

[edit]

 Bangladesh

[edit]
Bangladesh Air Force MiG-29B and MiG-29UB inflight

Bangladesh had 8 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] 16 MiG-29s were ordered, however procurement was cancelled after 8 aircraft were delivered.[15]

Bangladesh Air Force
  • 8th Squadron based at Kurmitola operates 6 upgraded[16] MiG-29B(9.12B) and 2 MiG-29UB (9.51).

 India

[edit]
Indian Air Force MiG-29UPG

India had 115 MiG-29s in service as of 2022, 75 in the Indian Air Force and 40 in the Indian Navy.[1][17] In July 2020 the Indian Air Force got two MiG-29UPG which were upgraded from the last two remaining legacy MiG-29s, taking the number of aircraft from 65 to 67. In January 2021, the Indian Ministry of Defense finally approved the upgrading of existing aircraft to UPG2 Standard with AESA radar, more advanced electronic warfare suites and weapons. 21 additional aircraft were purchased from Russia, to be constructed from the airframes mothballed in the late 1980s and upgraded with "the latest avionics and electronic warfare suites." The request for a proposal to buy two more MiG-29s airframes from Malaysia was made in February 2021. IAF want to take the total existing Mig-29UPG numbers from 67 to 90, with 5 operational squadrons until 2022 March–April. The final purchase order of 21 more aircraft was placed in February 2021.[18]

In January 2004, twelve MiG-29Ks and four MiG-29KUBs were ordered for the Indian Naval Air Arm to operate from INS Vikramaditya.[citation needed] In September 2008, it was reported that India intended to buy 30 more Mig-29Ks.[19]

Indian Air Force
Indian Naval Air Arm

 Mongolia

[edit]

In 2019, Russia donated two MiG-29UB to Mongolia.[20] They are still in service as of 2022.[1]

Mongolian Air Force

 Myanmar

[edit]
Myanmar Air Force MiG-29B

Myanmar had 31 MiG-29s in service as of 2022[1] with 26 of them are MiG-29SM/SEs (9.13M and 9.13) and 5 MiG-29UBs (9.51 trainer version).[21]

Myanmar Air Force

 North Korea

[edit]
A North Korean MiG-29S, 2003

North Korea had 35 MiG-29(9-13)s in service as of 2022.[1]

Korean People's Air Force
  • 57th Air Regiment based at Sunchon

 Turkmenistan

[edit]

Turkmenistan had 24 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1]

Turkmen Air Force

 Uzbekistan

[edit]

Uzbekistan had 38 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1]

Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces

Africa

[edit]

 Algeria

[edit]
Algerian Air Force MiG-29

Algeria had 36 MiG-29 in service as of 2023,in which 1 was a MIG29UB (operational since 1998) used for conversion training,21 MiG-29S (operational since 1999) and 14 MIG29M/M2(operational since 2020).Algeria has ordered 50 MiG-29S and 8 MiG-29UB in total between 1998 and 2005.36 MiG-29 9.19 were to be delivered between 2007 and 2008. However, in March 2008, in an unprecedented move, Algeria decided to return 15 of the MiG-29 9.19 aircraft delivered in 2006-07 back to Russia, citing the "inferior quality" of certain components and units. Following this the MiG-29SMT has been cancelled with SU-30MKA instead ordered.This also cancelled the fact that MIG29S were going to be upgraded to 9.19 standard and UB to UBT standards.

Algerian Air Force

 Eritrea

[edit]

Eritrea had 7 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Eritrea received 8 aircraft in 1998, of these 6 are known to be operational.[22]

Eritrean Air Force

 Sudan

[edit]
Sudan Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29SE

Sudan had 11 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] According to Sudanese Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Mohammed Hussein, Sudan bought 12 MiG-29 from Russia in 2004 (despite the UN arms embargo)[23] and another 12 in 2008 (probable Russian surplus via Belarus). One MiG-29 was shot down in May 2008 by heavy machine gun fire during a CAS mission;[24]

Sudanese Air Force

Middle East

[edit]

 Azerbaijan

[edit]

As of 2024, the Azerbaijani Air Forces operate 12 single seat, and 3 twin seat MiG-29s[25]

Azerbaijan Air Force

 Egypt

[edit]

Egypt had 44 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1]

Egyptian Air Force

 Iran

[edit]
A MiG-29UB of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force

Iran had 19 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Iran bought 20 MiG-29 9.12B from the Soviet Union in 1989 and 4 two seat MiG-29UB aircraft. The also received nine Iraqi MiG-29s that had fled to Iran during the 1991 Gulf War.[26]

Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force

 Syria

[edit]

Syria had 29 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] MiG-29SM for the Syrian Air Force based on the MiG-29SM, except the Syrian MiG-29SM uses the 9.12 airframe. RAC MiG developed a special variant for Syria.[27] Russia repaired and upgraded several Syrian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jets.[28] In 2007 Syria reportedly signed a deal for 24 Mig-29M2s that was delayed, in 2011 Syria signed a deal for another 24 Mig-29M2's.[29][30]

In 2019, Belarus reportedly upgraded Syria's fleet of MiG-29s with the BCO "Talisman" Electronic Warfare System, giving the fighter jet a significant increase to its capability.[31]

Syrian Air Force
  • 697 Squadron based at Tsaykal
  • 698 Squadron based at Tsaykal
  • 699 Squadron based at Tsaykal

 Yemen

[edit]

Yemen had 23 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Since 2005 the standard was MiG-29SMT, replacing SE version (14 SE and UB delivered in 2001, after sent to MiG to be updated). Together with those 14 aircraft updated, RSK-MiG sold 6 new examples. Later there was eventually another batch delivered.[32] Operational status is unknown due to civil war and foreign intervention.

Yemeni Air Force

Latin America

[edit]

 Cuba

[edit]

Cuba had 3 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1]

Cuban Air Force

 Peru

[edit]
Peruvian Air Force MiG-29

Peru had 8 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Peru acquired 18 aircraft from Belarus in 1996, 16 MiG-29 (9.13) and 2 MiG-29UB (9.51) (one purchased new by Belarus to Russia to replace the unit rejected by the Peruvian Air Force for technical issues). Two aircraft were lost in accidents in 1997 and 2001 respectively. Three additional MiG-29SE (9.13SE) were purchased from Russia in 1998 to replace the lost aircraft.[citation needed]

On 12 August 2008 a contract of US$106 million was signed with RAC MiG for a custom-made SM-based upgrade of eight MiG-29 called MiG-29SMP.[33] Four MiG-29SMP (three single-seaters and one twin-seater) were displayed in maneuvers during the Peruvian Air Force anniversary celebrations on 23 July 2012.[34]

Peruvian Air Force

North America

[edit]

 United States

[edit]

The United States bought 21 aircraft from Moldova.[35] Different private owned companies and individuals bought MiG-29s from former USSR republics.[36]

Former operators

[edit]

 Czechoslovakia

[edit]
Czechoslovak MiG-29A in 1991

Czechoslovakia had 18 MiG-29A and 2 MiG-29UB from 1989. All were passed on (in 1:1 ratio) to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Czechoslovak Air Force

 Czech Republic

[edit]

The Czech Republic inherited 9 MiG-29A and 1 MiG-29UB from Czechoslovakia. The aircraft are no longer in service, having been exchanged with Poland for 11 PZL W-3 Sokół helicopters in 1996.

Czech Air Force

 East Germany

[edit]

East Germany received 24 aircraft delivered in 1988–1989, including 4 MiG-29UBs. They were based at Preschen. Upon the German Reunification in 1990 all were passed to the West German Air Force.

Air Forces of the National People's Army

 Germany

[edit]
A German MiG-29 fires an AA-10 air-to-air missile

Germany inherited 24 aircraft from East Germany in 1990 and upgraded them to NATO compatibility. One was lost, and one was kept for display when the remaining 22 were transferred to Poland in 2003, following the arrival of the Eurofighter Typhoon which replaced them.

German Air Force
  • JG73 "Steinhoff" based at Laage operated MiG-29 (9.12A) and MiG-29UB (9.51) under local designation MiG-29G.

 Hungary

[edit]
MiG-29B of the Hungarian Air Force

Hungary received 28 MIG-29s in 1993 as debt compensation from Russia. The last of them was retired in December, 2010. Eight of them were put up for sale with the bidding starting at US$18 Million. The bidders had to submit offers by 15 September 2011[37][38]

Hungarian Air Force

 Iraq

[edit]
Iraqi Air Force MiG-29A

Iraq received 37 aircraft.33 fighter versions and 4 trainer versions. Initially, Iraq planned to purchase 130 planes, including both, but were abandoned due to high oil prices and sanctions.(reference)16 were destroyed in Gulf War, 4 evacuated to Iran. Remaining squadron (with 17 aircraft) withdrawn from service in 1995 due to engine TBO expiry.

Iraqi Air Force

 Israel

[edit]

2 aircraft, borrowed from an undisclosed European air force (according to online images aircraft from the Polish Air Force were used) for evaluation. Flown by 601 Squadron, the Israeli Air Force's flight test center.[39]

Israeli Air Force

 Kazakhstan

[edit]

Kazakhstan had 23 MiG-29s in service as of 2023.[1] These were retired in late 2023, put up for auction in October 2023, and sold to the USA in April 2024. It is speculated that these will be transferred to Ukraine for use as spare part sources and/or decoys.[40][41][42]

Kazakh Air Defense Forces

 Malaysia

[edit]
A Malaysian MiG-29 in formation with a U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat

Malaysia received a total of 18 MiG-29s. Two were lost to separate crashes in 1998 and 2004, and six were retired in 2010 to save on maintenance costs. The remaining ten MiG-29 aircraft were retired in 2017.

Royal Malaysian Air Force
  • 19 Sqn Cobra based at RMAF Kuantan formerly operated single seater MiG-29S (9.13S) and two seater trainers MiG-29UB (9.51) under local designation (MiG-29N).

 Moldova

[edit]

Moldova had 34 aircraft inherited from USSR. 6 of them were sold to Yemen, 21 bought by USA, 1 MiG-29S sold to Romania. Last 6 remaining MiG-29S were overhauled in Ukraine recently. Yemen returned 6 MiG-29S.The remaining Moldovan MiGs are grounded due to lack of spare parts.[citation needed]

Moldovan Air Force

 Romania

[edit]
Romanian Air Force MiG-29A

Romania received 20 MiG-29A delivered from USSR starting in 1989 plus 1 MiG-29S from Moldova. Romanian aircraft were retired in 2003 after funding was cut for upgrade programme.[43]

Romanian Air Force

 Slovakia

[edit]
Slovak MiG-29AS

Slovakia had 11 MiG-29s in service as of 2022[1] before they retired their remaining MiG-29s in 2022. On 17 March 2023, the Slovak government approved sending its retired fleet of thirteen MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.[44] On 23 March 2023, the first four aircraft have been handed over to Ukraine.[45] On 17 April 2023 the Slovak Ministry of defence informed that all of the remaining jets have already been sent to Ukraine.[46]

Slovak Air Force

 Soviet Union

[edit]
Soviet MiG-29 in 1989

Upon its dissolution in 1991 the Soviet Union had approximately 1,000 aircraft in service. Upon the break-up they were passed to Belarus (50), Ukraine (220), Kazakhstan (40), Uzbekistan (30), Turkmenistan (20). The remaining 600+ were passed to Russia. Many were subsequently sold off to third-party states and/or written off.[47][unreliable source?]

Soviet Air Force

 Yugoslavia

[edit]

Yugoslavia received 14 MiG-29Bs and 2 MiG-29UBs from the Soviet Union in 1987 and 1988. During operation Allied Force, six MiG-29s were shot down, while another three and one MiG-29UB were destroyed on the ground by NATO,[48] One MiG-29 was also lost in a noncombat related accident. Since the dissolution of Yugoslavia the remaining four MiG-29s and single MiG-29UB were passed on to Serbia.

Yugoslav Air Force
  • 127th squadron operated 14 MiG-29Bs and 2 MiG-29UB.

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mikoyan MiG-29.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "2023 World Air Forces directory". Flight Global. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  2. ^ "Bulgaria Gives Final Green Light to Biggest Military Acquisition Since Fall of Communism". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 31 July 2019.
  3. ^ "Basic equipment for Polish pilots in the Air Policing mission are MiG29s fighters". Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  4. ^ DOPOSAŻENIE I MODERNIZACJA SAMOLOTÓW MiG-29. WZL nr 2, 18-09-2012
  5. ^ Lifting MiGa. Archived 12 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine lotniczapolska.pl, 25 December 2011.
  6. ^ Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland in connection with the statement by the US Secretary of State on providing airplanes to Ukraine
  7. ^ Poland transfers ten MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine
  8. ^ "World Air Forces 2024". FlightGlobal.
  9. ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) (2021). "The Military Balance 2021". The Military Balance.
  10. ^ "MiG-29 Fighter". www.vs.rs. Archived from the original on 5 June 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
  11. ^ "Šta je sve pregovarano prošle godine oko nabavke MiG-ova 29 za srpsko ratno vazduhoplovstvo". July 2016.
  12. ^ "Održana svečanost povodom prijema lovačkih aviona MiG-29 koje je Belorusija donirala Srbiji". 10 June 2021.
  13. ^ Ponomarenko, Illia (15 March 2019). "Ukraine's Air Force rebuilds amidst war". Kyiv Post. Kyiv, Ukraine. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  14. ^ "Ukraine Has Lots of MiG-29s, but It Might Not Have Enough Pilots". Forbes.
  15. ^ "Bangladesh decides to get rid of MiG-29s". Dawn.
  16. ^ "Bangladesh's Ambitious Military Modernization Drive". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Indian Navy reports crash of fifth MiG-29K in four years". 13 October 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  18. ^ Pandit, Rajat (18 January 2021). "After Tejas, India moves ahead to procure more MiG-29s & Sukhois". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  19. ^ "India-Russia close to seal Mig-29K Fighters deal". The Indian Express. 3 March 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  20. ^ Karnozov, Vladimir (19 December 2019). "Mongolian Air Force replenished with MiG". Russian Aviation. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  21. ^ "Myanmar MiG-29 Upgrade Revealed". ainonline.com. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  22. ^ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wMLYlTsFoWFpnzrpIsl7l30yjudTYF7W/view?usp=drivesdk [dead link‍]
  23. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 June 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  24. ^ "RFI - La Russie a vendu 12 chasseurs MiG-29 au Soudan". Rfi.fr. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  25. ^ "World Air Forces 2024". Flightglobal. 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  26. ^ Gordon, Yefim (2006). Mikoyan Mig-29. Midland Publishing. pp. 481–482. ISBN 1-85780-231-4.
  27. ^ "Janes | Latest defence and security news".
  28. ^ "Syrian MiG-29 Fighter Jets Performing Sorties with R-77 Missiles".
  29. ^ "Syrias Russian Weapon Buys".
  30. ^ "Syria, Russia discussing delivery of MiG-29M/M2 fighters (Part 2) - Interfax". Archived from the original on 13 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  31. ^ "Фотофакт: Белоруссия оснастила сирийские МиГ-29 мощными системами РЭБ".
  32. ^ Aerei N.44
  33. ^ a b FUERZA AÉRA DEL PERÚ FIRMA CONTRATO PARA REPARAR MIG29 Archived 16 August 2008 at archive.today. Ministry of Defense (12 August 2008). Retrieved on 13 August 2008.
  34. ^ La Fuerza Aérea de Perú muestra su capacidad de combate Archived 30 June 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Defensa.com (25 July 2012). Retrieved on 25 July 2012.
  35. ^ "Defense.gov News Article: U.S. Buys Moldovan MiG-29 Fighters". Archived from the original on 17 September 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  36. ^ "Aircraft".
  37. ^ "JETfly Magazin". 16 December 2021.
  38. ^ "Defense Marketing Intelligence".
  39. ^ "תמונות ראשונות: אימון ישראלי במטוסי מיג 29. 13.05.09 - רשת". Reshet.ynet.co.il. 13 May 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2010. [dead link‍]
  40. ^ "117 MiG-31, MiG-29 & Other Russian-Origin Fighter Jets Put Up On Auction By Kazakhstan; Here's Why". 28 October 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  41. ^ "Kazakhstan sells over 100 military aircraft". 27 October 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  42. ^ "US buys 81 Soviet-era combat aircraft from Russia's ally costing on average less than $20,000 each, report says". 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  43. ^ Romania retires its MiG-29 fleet article Archived 20 February 2021 at the Wayback Machine in Adevărul website, January 2003 .
  44. ^ "Slovakia sends MIG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine - PM". Los Angeles Times. 17 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  45. ^ "FIRST FOUR SLOVAK MIG-29 FIGHTER JETS HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO UKRAINE". Slovak Ministry of defence.
  46. ^ "All Slovak MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter jets are in Ukraine already". Slovak Ministry of defence.
  47. ^ "MiG-29 Fulcrum Fighter Bomber, Russian Federation". airforce-technology.com.
  48. ^ "Yugoslav & Serbian MiG-29s". Air Combat Information Group. 30 November 2003. Archived from the original on 14 February 2014.
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