MiG-29 FULCRUM Exports
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CIS / WTO / etc Other |
Algeria's intention to purchase from Russia from 40 to 60 newly built MiG-29SMT fighters was made public during the International Air Show in Dubai December 7 to 11, 2003. These aircraft would replace the entire fleet of outdated fighters MiG-21 and MiG-23, which were in service with the Algerian Air Force. Fighters should be supplied complete with R-77 missiles. Information was made public about Algeria's intention to purchase from 40 to 60 newly built MiG-29SMT fighters from Russia in order to replace the entire fleet of outdated MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighters in service with the Algerian Air Force. Fighters should be supplied complete with R-77 missiles. Information was made public about Algeria's intention to purchase from 40 to 60 newly built MiG-29SMT fighters from Russia in order to replace the entire fleet of outdated MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighters in service with the Algerian Air Force. Fighters should be supplied complete with R-77 missiles.
In 2007-2008, as a result of the breakdown of the Algerian contract, the financial situation in RSK MiG became so complicated that doubts arose as to the very possibility of the existence of this company. As is well known, in March 2006, a $1.284 billion contract was signed for the supply of 28 MiG-29SMT and six MiG-29UBTs to Algeria. From December 2006 to April 2007, 15 aircraft were delivered to Algeria, including, presumably, four MiG-29UBTs. In April 2007, the Algerian Air Force put forward a number of technical claims to the delivered aircraft and stopped accepting new batches of aircraft.
All the proposed compromise options (from the elimination of the identified deficiencies to the complete replacement of aircraft) were rejected by the Algerian Air Force, and in early 2008 all 15 aircraft previously delivered to Algeria were returned to Russia. The refusal of the Algerian side from any compromises made it possible to assume that the real cause of the crisis was internal political contradictions. The political motivation of the Algerian side is also evidenced by the fact that in the summer of 2006, that is, before the start of deliveries of the first MiG-29UBTs (which arrived in December), Algeria began searching for new RD-33 engines of the third series on the market. These engines were intended for the MiG-29 of the Algerian Air Force, which were previously received from Belarus and were to be transferred to Russia under a trade-in agreement. It turns out that even before the delivery of the first Russian fighters, the Algerian Air Force had already considered the possibility of refusing to fulfill the trade-in conditions and, accordingly, assumed that the 2006 contract for the MiG-29SMT would not be fulfilled.
The failure of the Algerian contract had extremely negative financial, organizational and image consequences for RSK MiG. As a result of the termination of Algerian payments, the corporation's debt reached 45 billion rubles. Personnel instability arose in the management of the corporation. In January 2008, Anatoly Belov was appointed CEO of the company. After only one year in this position, he was removed from his post. He was replaced by Mikhail Pogosyan, the head of the Sukhoi company. At the same time, Poghosyan, having become the head of MiG, also retained his post in Sukhoi. In addition, he was soon appointed head of the Combat Aviation Division of the UAC. All this gave the observers a reason to believe that with the appointment of Mikhail Poghosyan, the process of de facto integration of RSK MiG with the stronger and more economically successful Sukhoi company started.
Azerbaijan purchased MiG-29 and 2 MiG-29UB in Ukraine. The aircraft have been modified in accordance with the Ukrainian MiG-29 modernization program.
Bangladesh in 1999, 8 aircraft were received (6 fighters and 2 combat training).
Belarus had 41 In 2010, after the collapse of the USSR, about 100 aircraft remained. Some of them were sold to Algeria, Peru and Eritrea. By the 2000s, 40-50 aircraft were in service.
Bulgaria had 20 MiG-29s in 2010. In 1990, 22 aircraft were received (18 fighters, 4 combat training). They are in service with two fighter aviation regiments (in Ravnets and Yambol). In March 2006, an agreement was signed with RSK MiG on the overhaul and modernization of 16 fighters. By the end of May 2009, the contract was fully completed. Bulgaria received MiG-29 fighters in 1989, the last in the Warsaw Pact. The first on June 15 to arrive in the "sixteenth republic" were two MiG-29UB. In total, the Bulgarian Air Force received 18 combat MiG-29s and four training MiG-29UBs. In September 1994, one fighter crashed, the pilot was killed. The possibility of acquiring another batch of 18-20 MiG-29 aircraft in Russia was repeatedly considered, but the deal was constantly thwarted, now for purely financial reasons, then for political reasons.
After lengthy negotiations, it was decided to modernize the Bulgarian MiG-29. Test flights were carried out on three of the first six MiG-29 fighters of the Bulgarian Air Force selected for modernization on August 15, 2003. The planes were piloted by test pilots of the RAC "MiG". The modernization will be carried out at the TEREM plant in Plovdiv under the supervision of RAC MiG specialists. The amount of the contract for the modernization of six fighters is about $ 10 million. It is planned to install the avionics of the French company Thales on the aircraft, but RSK MiG will be responsible for its equipment.
Cuba from 1989-1990 received a small amount (according to various sources, 12 or 16 aircraft). They are in service with the 1st Squadron (San Antonio de Los Banos). The first MiG-29s entered service with the Cuban Revolutionary Air Force in October 1989. According to the agreement on military assistance between the USSR and Cuba, concluded in 1986, the latter received 12 "9-12 products" from the Union and two twin MiG-29UBs. The planes were delivered to Liberty Island by sea in disassembled form. The first flight, assembled in Cuba, the MiG-29, performed on April 19, 1990.
Czechoslovakia was one of the MiG-29 userswith 20 of these air fighters by 1989. Czechoslovakia purchased from the Soviet Union a batch of 20 MiG-29 fighters, including two-seat MiG-29U B. The first to land at the Zhatek airfield in April 1989 was the MiG-29UB with the tail number "4401". The Czechoslovak Air Force used an identification system, according to which the aircraft's tail number corresponded to the last four digits of the vehicle's serial number. A new system was used for the MiG-29: the first two digits of the number corresponded to the last two digits of the serial number, the last two digits corresponded to the aircraft number in the ordered batch ("01" - "18" - for single-seat MiG-29 and "01" and "02" - for two-seat MiG-29UB), the first two digits "44" were common for the Czechoslovak MiG-29UB. Pilots of the Czechoslovak Air Force flew their "own" MiG-29 for the first time on April 24, 1989, Colonel Vashek and Lieutenant Colonel Nakil became pioneers. In June, the first batch of combat MiG-29s arrived in Czechoslovakia, hull numbers “7501”, “7702”, “8003”, “8304”, “8605”, “8906”, “9207”, “93008”, “3709”. The second - in September 1989, the second batch included fighters with side numbers "3810", "4012", "3911", "5113", "5414", "5515", "5616", "5817" and "5918" ". With the September party, the second MiG-29UB training aircraft arrived on board "4402".
All fighters and twin MiG-29s entered service with the 1st Fighter Aviation Regiment, which was stationed in ateke, but later they were redeployed to Ceske Budejovice, where they entered service with the newly formed 11th Fighter Aviation Regiment. The Czechoslovak MiGs reached the state of combat readiness in September 1989. The "velvet" disintegration of Czechoslovakia was followed by the division of property between Prague and Bratislava. The MiG-29 fighters were divided in half, ten - the Czech Republic, ten - Slovakia. A dozen MiGs entered service with the Slovak Air Force in the fall of 1992.
Due to problems with spare parts and a striking desire to be equal to Washington in the Czech Republic, the MiG-29 flights were terminated at the end of June 1994. The process was catalyzed by a fire in March 1994 at the airfield of the only Czech MiG-29UB aircraft. There was nothing to train pilots for combat MiG-29s. Subsequently, the planes were exchanged for Poland for W-3 helicopters. This negotiation boldly claims the dubious title of the deal of the century. The Czechs themselves then wondered for a long time how they managed to get improved copies of the Soviet Mi-2 helicopters developed in the early 60s for modern fourth-generation fighters! In Prague, it was believed that the NATO Czech Republic would not need jet fighters, the combat training L-59 and L-159 would be enough, but at the headquarters of the block, the desire of beer lovers to avoid the costs of maintaining a fleet of specialized air combat aircraft was considered unreasonable. The MiG-29 in the Czech Air Force was replaced by Swedish-made JAS-39 "Grippen" fighters.
DPRK had 35 in 2010, since 1988, 30 aircraft have been received (25 fighters, 5 combat training). They are in service with the 57th Fighter Aviation Regiment (Onchon). DPRK received the first 12 of the 25 ordered MiG-29 fighters May - June 1988.
Eritrea had 10 MiG-29s by 2010.
After the German reunification in October 1990, East German MiGs were integrated into the Luftwaffe. During service with German Luftwaffe, Germany and its allies the possibility to compare the MiG-29 like never before. It soon turned out that claims of the MiG-29 being superior to Western fighter jets in some areas were right – for example the dogfight capability and manoeuvrability, especially at slow speed. The manually controlled MiG-29 demonstrated a 28°/sec turn rate, which even beat the fly by wire F-16 Block 50 (26°/sec). But the MiG-29 had limited fuel capacity, thirsty engines, and no inflight refueling probe. The NATO findings were an important source of improvement for Mikoyan OKB to further improve the MiG-29.
The German Democratic Republic acquired MiG-29 fighters in 1988, the first in the Warsaw Pact. In total, it was supposed to purchase up to 70 single and double MiG-29s from the USSR, but well-known events canceled these plans. Before the merger of the two Germanies, the East Germans managed to receive 20 combat MiG-29s and four twin MiG-29UBs.
The first MiG-29s arrived at the Preshen airbase, where the JG-3 Vladimir Komarov fighter squadron was based in 1987. On April 5, 1988, two squadron staffers took up combat duty on MiG-29 fighters. The MiG-29s of the GDR Air Force were painted according to the Central European camouflage scheme of spots of two shades of brown and spots of two shades of green, the bottom is gray. On combat MiGs, three-digit tactical side numbers were written in red, on MiG-29UB - in black. East German MiG-29s were partially completed with avionics produced by the GDR.
After the unification of the two Germanies, the MiG-29 fighters entered service with the Bundesluftwaffe. Four aircraft (two MiG-29, "29 + 20 and" 29 + 21 "and two MiG-29UB," 29 + 22 "and" 29 + 25 ") were transferred for evaluation tests to the test center at Manching airbase. Based on the test results, it was decided to equip the JFG-3 squadron with MiG-29 fighters. All MiG-29s in the Bundesluftwaffe were repainted and received new side numbers.
In connection with the beginning of the entry into service of the Bundesluftwaffe of the Eurofighter "Typhoon" aircraft in 2003 in Germany, it was decided to decommission the MiG-29 fighters and to sell them to Poland at a symbolic price of 1 euro per aircraft. In the united Germany, the fighters were upgraded to the MiG-29G (German) and MiG-29GT (German Trainer) variants. The identification and navigation systems on the MiG-29G and MiG-29GT aircraft were improved according to NATO standards (satellite navigation system receivers were installed), and the engines were revised. Refinement of the fuel system allows two additional fuel tanks with a capacity of 1150 liters to be suspended on the underwing pylons, which provides fighters with non-stop flights across the Atlantic. All the inscriptions in the cockpit were translated from Russian into English.
Hungary since 1993 had received 28 MiG-29 aircraft (22 fighters and 6 combat training aircraft, the transaction amount is 800 million US dollars) to repay the debt of the USSR, the aircraft entered service with the 47th Fighter Aviation Regiment (Kecskemet). Currently, the MiG-29 is in service with the 59th tactical airbase (59. "Szentgyörgyi Dezso" Harcászati ??Repülobázis). 13 aircraft of this type in 2007-2008 underwent overhaul under the supervision of RSK MiG. On December 21, 2010, the Hungarian government announced its intention to modernize and then put up for auction the last twelve MIG-29s remaining in service with the Hungarian Air Force. As of 2010, flights to MIG-29 are no longer operated.
India had 48 MiG-29s in 2010, the first foreign country to receive the MiG-29. Since 1986, according to various estimates, about 70-80 aircraft have been delivered. In addition, in 2004, India ordered 16 carrier-based fighters: 12 single-seat MiG-29K and 4 two-seat MiG-29KUB. In 2008, a plan was approved for the purchase of 29 more fighters.
India's interest in MiG-29 fighters was prompted by the supply of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan, India's eternal enemy. The Indians considered that the export version of the MiG-29 with a simplified composition of onboard equipment was not the plane that could surpass the F-16 in aerial combat. After lengthy negotiations, the Indian MiG-29s received almost the same avionics. as the aircraft of the USSR Air Force. However, negotiations delayed the delivery of the fighters by almost a year. India purchased 40 single "9-12" products and four twin MiG-29UBs. The first MiG-29 fighters entered service with the 47th squadron ("Archers") of the Indian Air Force in April - May 1987. Then the 28th squadron was rearmed on the MiG-29. Previously, the 47th and 28th squadrons were armed with MiG-21 fighters. The official ceremony for the adoption of the MiG-29 fighters by the Indian Air Force took place at the Pune airbase on December 6, 1987. In the Indian Air Force, the aircraft received the name "Vaag" - a falcon. In January 2007, the first MiG-29Ks were assembled for the Indian Navy. The total batch was expected to be over 40 vehicles.
Iran had 35 MiG-29s in 2010. Since 1990 Iran had received, according to various sources, 14 or 17 aircraft. Another number of MiG-29s flew from Iraq during the 1991 war and were put into service. In the fall of 1990, Iran received a batch of 14 MiG-29 aircraft. The Air Force of the Islamic Republic also received MiG-29s that flew from Iraq.
Iraq began negotiations with the Soviet Union to purchase a batch of 48 MiG-29 fighters in 1987. The first batch of 18 aircraft was delivered to Iraq in the same year. In 1989, Iraq received another 16 MiG-29 "product 9-12" and two twin MiG-29UB. The decision to purchase the MiG-29 was made by Iraq in 1988, initially it was planned to purchase up to 130 aircraft, but the fall in oil prices and international isolation did not allow this plan to be implemented. The first aircraft arrived in the spring of 1990 and were based at Talili Air Force Base. 36 MiG-29 (9-12B) and 6 MiG-29UB were the most modern fighters of the Iraqi Air Force, but during Operation Desert Storm they could not prove themselves due to the complete air supremacy of the Multinational Force.
Iraqi MiG-29s were based in the vicinity of Baghdad and provided air defense for the capital. The planes of the first batch were painted at the plant in desert camouflage, then in Iraq they were repainted in gray - sand camouflage, the rest of the aircraft were supplied in standard light gray - dark gray color. In the first Desert Storm, the Iraqi Air Force lost at least eight MiG-29 fighters in aerial combat with American F-15 and F / A-18. About two dozen Iraqi MiG-29s flew to Iran, where they were eventually adopted by the Iranian Air Force.
Kazakhstan had 39 In 2010, after the collapse of the USSR, there were about 20 aircraft left. In the mid-90s, along with other aircraft, 21 MiG-29 fighters were transferred in exchange for 40 Tu-95 strategic bombers. Currently, the Kazakh Air Force is in service from 40 to 50 MiG-29s.
Malaysia had 18 MiG-29s in 2010. In 1993, a number of agreements were concluded between Russia and Malaysia, the result of which was the start of deliveries of MiG-29 fighters. The customer received the first aircraft in 1995, and a total of 18 aircraft were received (16 MiG-29N and 2 MiG-29UBN). The amount of the contract was $ 600 million, that is, more than $ 30 million for the plane. They are in service with the 17th and 19th air defense fighter squadrons (Kuantan). During the operation, two cars were lost. Due to the high cost of maintenance, the Malaysian Ministry of Defense planned to remove the MiG-29 from service by the end of 2010.
At first, Russia was ready to sell MiGs to anyone and for anything. So Malaysia paid for the consignment of 29s with palm oil. Having developed a new modification of the MiG-29 for the Malaysian Air Force, the Design Bureau had mastered a new form of work for the domestic aviation industry - shaping the appearance of an aircraft at the request of a foreign customer. By 2014, more than 1600 MiG-29 fighters of all modifications have been built, of which about 800 have been exported. The MiG-29 was supplied to almost 30 countries of the world. Modernization of the MiG-29 and the development of its new modifications formed the basis of the production program of the RAC "MiG".
Presumably at the end of 1991, the Main Engineering Directorate (GIU) of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations (MFER) of the Russian Federation received a request regarding the possibility of supplying MiG-29 fighters to Malaysia. At the initial stage, it was about 22 combat and four combat training vehicles worth up to $ 1.2 billion. A surrealistic competition arose between MAPO MiG and its branch, the Lukhovitsky Machine-Building Plant (LMZ). The fact is that at the LMZ site, about 70 vehicles built in 1991 and subsequently not in demand and not paid for by the Russian Air Force were idle. In fact, two competing alliances have developed. Spetsvneshtekhnika and the firms Moskovit and MIBA that worked with it promoted machines with LMZ, and Oboronexport, which received official government approval to sell aircraft to Malaysia, promoted MAPO products. In November 1993, a single state intermediary for the arms trade, Rosvooruzhenie, was created.
In June 1994, Russia entered into a historic agreement for the supply of 18 MiG-29N fighters to the Royal Malaysian Air Force. This contract occupies a special place in the post-Soviet history of Moscow's military-technical cooperation with foreign states. Firstly, the deal is notable for its attractive financial parameters: its cost was $ 550 million - a solid amount by 1994 standards. Secondly and most importantly, it was during the preparation of this contract that the Russian military-technical cooperation system was formed, and domestic exporters of military products learned to trade on new commercial and de-ideologized principles. For the first time, Russia sold a large consignment of military equipment outside the traditional Soviet area - not to a Warsaw Pact party or a customary client among developing countries, but to a former British colony.
Moldova saw out of 36 fighters of the Black Sea Fleet aviation regiment stationed in Moldova, one was sold to Romania, 4 to Yemen and 21 MiG-29s were purchased by the United States in 1997 for $ 40 million. The Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova reached an agreement to implement the Cooperative Threat Reduction accord signed on June 23, 1997, in Moldova. The Pentagon pounced on the planes after learning Iran had inspected the jets and expressed an interest in adding them to their inventory. Although Iran already flew the less-capable Fulcrum A, it didn't own any of the more advanced C-models. Of the 21 Fulcrums the United States bought, 14 are the frontline Fulcrum C's, which contain an active radar jammer in its spine, six older A's and one B-model two-seat trainer. This agreement authorized the United States Government to purchase nuclear-capable MiG-29 fighter planes from the Government of Moldova.
This was a joint effort by both Governments to ensure that these dual-use military weapons do not fall into the hands of rogue states. From Oct. 20 to Nov. 2, 1997, loadmasters and aerial port experts squeezed two MiGs apiece, sans wings and tails, into the cargo holds of C-17 Globemaster III transports from Charleston Air Force Base, SC. The Charleston airlifters delivered the MiGs to the National Air Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. If NATO can discover how the Fulcrum works, Air Force pilots might gain an edge if they faced the Fulcrum in future combat.
Myanmar had 10 in 2010. In 2001, a contract was signed for the supply of 12 MiG-29s, including 2 two-seater aircraft. Used fighters cost Myanmar $ 130 million, according to the terms of the contract, the flight time of each aircraft should not exceed 50 hours. In 2009, another 20 MiG-29s were sold for 400 million euros.
Peru had 20 for 2010. In 1996, 16 single-seat MiG-29S and 2 double-seat MiG-29UB were purchased in Belarus; in 1998, 3 new MiG-29SE were purchased in Russia. Currently, 19 fighters are in operation (one was lost in an accident in 2001, another was taken out of service). In 2008, a contract was signed to modernize all 19 fighters. The Peruvian Air Force already has MiG-29s, and this equipment is actively exploited. Peruvian military personnel are showing interest in acquiring an additional batch of aircraft of this type. The issue is on the agenda of Russian-Peruvian military-technical cooperation is a priority. Negotiations on this topic continue.
Poland had 32 in 2010 in 1989-1990, 12 aircraft were received (9 fighters and 3 combat training). Later, 10 aircraft were received from the Czech Republic and another 22 from Germany. In 1989, Poland received ten MiG-29 fighters and three twin MiG-29UBs, the aircraft entered service with the 1st Fighter Aviation Regiment "Warsaw", based at the Minsk-Mazowiecki airfield. This regiment became the first in the Polish Air Force to receive jet fighters, first Yak-23, and in July 1951 - MiG-15. The first regiment was the first in the Polish Air Force to switch to the MiG-21, in 1963 the regiment provided and provides air defense for Warsaw. All MiG-29s of the 1st regiment bear the emblem of the unit on the fuselage - the coat of arms of the city of Warsaw.
In 1995-1996 nine MiG-29s and one MiG-UB were received from the Czech Republic (repaired after the fire), at first the aircraft retained the camouflage color of the Czech Air Force, but the identification marks, unit symbols and side numbers changed.
Poland "purchased" the ex-German MiG-29s. German pilots flew the first five MiG-29Gs to Poland in September 2003, the last ones in August 2004. Before entering service with the Polish Air Force, the aircraft undergo refurbishment to extend their service life until 2014 at the WZL-2 aircraft repair plant in Bydgoszcz. Specialists of RSK MiG are taking part in the work. The first four repaired MiG-290s entered service with the 41st Tactical Aviation Squadron in Malbrok in June 2005. Until December 2003, the squadron was armed with MiG-21 fighters. Poland received 22 MiG-29s from Germany, but apparently only 16 aircraft will be accepted into service, and the rest will be disassembled into spare parts.
Romanian pilots began retraining on the MiG-29 in the spring of 1989. The MiG-29 for the Romanian Air Force was driven from Lukhovitsy by Romanian pilots. The first Romanian MiG-29 landed at an airbase near Constanta in November 1989. The last of the 12 MiG-29s ordered by Romania arrived in December 1989, just days before the local revolution. Romania did not plan to modernize its MiG-29s, relying on the upgraded MiG-21s, as they are more massive in the Air Force.
Slovakia had 22 MiG-29s by 2010. After the collapse of Czechoslovakia, 10 aircraft remained (9 fighters and 1 combat training). In 1994-96, 12 MiG-29S and 2 MiG-29UB were received as payment for the Russian debt. Until 2005, as a result of flight accidents, three single MiG-29s were lost. In 2004-2007, twelve aircraft were upgraded by RSK MiG in cooperation with Collins (USA) and BAE Systems (UK) to NATO standards (10 MiG-29AS and 2 MiG-29UBS). They are in service with the 1st Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Slovak Air Force (Sliac). The half of the aircraft remaining in the Czech Republic were later exchanged with Poland for W-3A Sokol helicopters. The second half of MiGs-29 stayed in Slovakia and still serve as the backbone of the Slovakian Air Force. The number of Slovakian MiG-29s was increased by 14 more aircraft from Russia during 1993-1996. Twelve of these planes were modernized during 2005 and 2006 to standard single-seat version called MiG-29AS and two-seat version MiG-29UBS. As for the example, the aircraft were newly equipped with Western displays, radios or navigation.
After the divorce from the Czech Republic, Slovakia received its share of the MiG-29 aircraft: nine combat fighters and one twin. In 1994, five single-seat MiG-29s and one MiG-29U B were received from Russia to pay off the debt of the USSR, in 1995 - seven more MiG-29s and one MiG-29UB.
Negotiations on the modernization of MiGs had been going on with RSK MiG with permanent success for several years. The contract between RSK "MiG" and the Ministry of Defense of Slovakia, providing for the modernization of at least 18 MiG-29 fighters, was signed on July 3, 2002. In the final version, providing for the modernization of nine MiG-29s and two MiG-29UBs, the contract for the amount of $ 69.4 million was signed on November 24, 2004. The main contractor is RSK MiG, the work is carried out in cooperation with Collins firms (USA ) and BAe Systems (UK). In addition to inspections and improvements aimed at extending the service life, work is carried out on the aircraft to replace friend or foe systems, radio communication and radio navigation equipment, color multifunctional indicators are installed in the cockpits.
As of the end of 2005, the Slovak Air Force had 18 single-seat MiG-29s (“product 9-12”, three fighters were lost as a result of flight accidents) and three twin MiG-29UBs. In 2005, 18 aircraft (17 single-seat MiG-29 and one twin) were selected for modernization and extension of service life until at least 2014. The modernization of fighters is carried out in Trencin with technical assistance from RSK MiG. The first flight of the modernized Slovak MiG-29 was performed on December 1, 2005. The fighter was piloted by test pilot RSK MiG Hero of Russia P.N. Vlasov; On December 9, the upgraded MiG-29UB took off.
Sudan had 23 by 2010, delivreed since 2003, 12 aircraft have been delivered (10 fighters and 2 combat training). Another 12 vehicles were purchased in 2008, while Rosoboronexport denied information about the deal, but then the purchase was confirmed by the Minister of Defense of the Sudan.
Sri Lanka had 5 MiG-29 aircraft delivered in 2008 (4 MiG-29SM, 1 MiG-29UB).
Syria had 40+ MiG-29 aircraft by 2010. Syria became the first country in the Arab world to receive MiG-29 fighters for its Air Force. The delivery of MiGs to Syria was a direct result of a visit to Moscow by Syrian President Hafez Assad in 1986. Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlass made a repeated request to sell the MiG-29 to his Soviet comrades during his visit to Moscow in April 1987. Syria wanted to buy 150 aircraft. In July 1987, the first batch of 16 MiG-29 aircraft arrived in Syria. At the end of 1988, the Syrians received a second batch, also of 16 fighters. The first squadron of the Syrian Air Force armed with MiG-29 fighters reached initial combat readiness in November 1988. Syrian MiG-29s took part in air battles with Israeli aircraft in 1990 and 1991. At least one MiG-29 was shot down, Israel's losses were not reported.
The Syrian army received a batch of MiG-29 combat aircraft from Russia. This was reported 30 May 2020 by the Syrian news agency SANA. The handover ceremony was reportedly held at the Russian Khmeimim airbase in the Latakia province of northwestern Syria. After that, the planes flew to the Syrian air bases. Syrian pilots will start using them during the June maneuvers. In the course of the war, which has been going on in Syria for more than 9 years, Russia is a key international ally of the Syrian government.
Turkmenistan had 24 MiG-29s in 2010 after the collapse of the USSR, there were, according to various sources, from 22 to 25 aircraft.
Ukraine had 80 MiG-29s by 2010, after the collapse of the USSR, about 230 aircraft remained. It was reported that in 2005 there were 217 MiG-29s in service. The Ukrainian information and consulting company Defense Express, citing a statement from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, announced 31 July 2020 that the Israeli company Elbit Systems received documents authorizing the modernization of Ukrainian fourth-generation MiG-29 fighters. Messages about Ukraine 's intention to modernize 11 MiG-29 fighters appeared at the end of 2019. It should be noted that even then it was about negotiations between the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the Israeli company Elbit Systems . In addition, it was reported that the modernized fighters received the latest weapons for conducting air combat.
Uzbekistan had 30 MiG-29s in 2010, after the collapse of the USSR, 36 aircraft remained.
Venezuela's government expressed its intention to purchase up to 50 aircraft of this type after the demonstration of the MiG-29M2 fighter in December 2002 in. A specific modification has not yet been selected, but there are suggestions that the purchase of MiG-29SMT aircraft is most likely. Together with the warplanes most likely, up to ten MiG-29UB training two-seat fighters, as well as air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, will be delivered. The total amount of the transaction was estimated at $ 2 billion.
Vietnam received 4 MiG-29SMT in 2010.
Yemen had 18 MiG-29 by 2010. In the 1990s, 4 MiG-29s from Moldova were purchased. In 2001, a contract was signed with RSK MiG for the supply of 14 MiG-29SE, transferred to Yemen in 2002-2003, and in 2006-2007 upgraded to the level of MiG-29SMT. In 2003, 6 more MiG-29SMTs were purchased, these aircraft were delivered to Yemen in 2004-2005.
Yugoslavia became the first European country to receive the MiG-29 fighters. In 1986, a contract was signed for the supply of 14 MiG-29 fighters and two twin MiG-29UBs. The MiG-29 fighters entered service with the Yugoslav Air Force in 1989 under the designation L-18. The first aircraft were delivered to the Balkans in October 1989. The aircraft were airlifted from Lukhovitsy. In total, the Yugoslav Air Force received 14 MiG-29 and two MiG-29UB. For the first time, Yugoslavian MiGs were publicly shown at the Batainitsa airbase on May 15, 1988. The MiG-29s were in service with the elite 127th squadron, which was based in Batainitsa. Yugoslavian MiG-29s took part in interethnic clashes in the Balkans and in the 1999 war with NATO.
There is little doubt that the habitat of the MiG-29 will expand in the coming years. For example, it was reported about the supply of six MiG-29 fighters from Tanzania, the deal amount is 50 million dollars.According to experts, about 30 MiG-29 fighters may be delivered to Africa in the coming years, about 60 more aircraft may be in demand by Latin American countries.
On May 20, 1989, Captain Alexander Zuev, having put his colleagues to sleep with a cake with sleeping pills, flew to the MiG-29 to Turkey. The plane, in order to avoid a conflict situation, was returned to the USSR, the pilot received political asylum in the United States. Subsequently, Zuev wrote an autobiographical book Fulcrum: A Top Gun Pilot's Escape from the Soviet Empire.
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