MiG-29K Fighter Jet

Full Specifications

MiG-29K Carrier-Based Multirole Fighter Jet

The MiG-29K is Russia’s flagship carrier-based multirole fighter jet, engineered to deliver high-performance air superiority and maritime strike capabilities from naval platforms. Developed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau, the aircraft represents a major leap in the MiG-29 family, optimized for harsh sea conditions and modern carrier operations. Designed for catapult-free short takeoff and arrested recovery (STOBAR) systems, it serves as the primary fixed-wing combat aircraft on India’s aircraft carriers, including INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

Powered by two RD-33MK afterburning turbofan engines, the MiG-29K reaches speeds exceeding Mach 2, giving it a competitive edge in interception and high-agility maneuvers. The airframe is reinforced with corrosion-resistant materials for naval durability, while foldable wings reduce deck footprint. With a combat radius suitable for both deep-strike and fleet-defense roles, the jet delivers operational versatility across air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missions.

Its avionics suite includes a multi-mode radar, helmet-mounted cueing system, digital fly-by-wire controls, and an advanced glass cockpit compatible with night-vision operations. Integrated electronic warfare systems boost survivability in high-threat maritime environments, while anti-ship missiles such as Kh-35 and precision-guided bombs enhance offensive reach.

The MiG-29K is equipped with nine hardpoints supporting missiles, guided bombs, rockets, and external fuel tanks. A GSh-30-1 internal cannon provides close-range firepower. For U.S. defense analysts and naval aviation enthusiasts, the MiG-29K represents an important case study in STOBAR-compatible fighter development and Indo-Russian aerospace cooperation.

MiG-29K Price

The MiG-29K’s unit cost varies by configuration and support package, but export estimates generally fall between $40 million and $50 million per aircraft.