India Approves $2.36Bn Purchase of 21 MiG-29s, 12 Sukhoi-30 MKI Jets from Russia

The Indian MoD has approved an Indian Air Force (IAF) proposal to speedily procure 21 MiG-29 fighter jets besides 12 Sukhoi MK1 from Russia.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement Thursday which includes the upgrade of 59 MiG-29 aircraft, a MoD release said.

“While the MIG 29 procurement and upgradation from Russia is estimated to cost ₹7,418 crores $992Mn), the Su-30 MKI will be procured from (HAL) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at an estimated cost of ₹10,730 crore ($1.44Bn)," the release added.

The greenlight came after the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh concluded a highly successful visit to Russia last week where he met with his Russian counterpart to speedily clear some pending defence deals.

Separetely, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladmir Putin on Thursday. Putin reiterated his commitment to “further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in all spheres," an Indian foreign ministry statement said.

HAL sources told  Defenseworld.net that the additional Sukhoi Su-30MKI purchase will be assembled at HAL’s Nashik facility. Formal approvals from the government are awaited.