Bangladesh to Extend Service Life of MiG-29 with Engine Repair, Aircraft Upgrade

Bangladesh is set to sign a deal worth around $30.6 million with Russian firm JSC NAPC for engine life extension of the MiG-29 aircraft besides upgrading the airframe of half the MiG-29 fleet of 8 aircraft.

The Bangladesh Ministry of Defence has given preliminary approval to the agreement, which covers the years 2024-25 and 2025-26. It was reported that payments will be made in stages over four years due to budget constraints, tbsnews.net reported.

The agreement is expected to be signed after the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance gives its approval.

Four aircraft to fly by 2030

According to tbsnews.net sources, four out of eight MiG-29 fighter jets underwent comprehensive modernization and service life extension in 2018-19. The modernization period for these four aircraft has been extended until June 2030.

An agreement was made for the modernization of the remaining four aircraft in 2023-24. The aircraft were sent to JSC 558 Aircraft Repair Plant in Belarus for modernization. After these operations are completed, the aircraft are planned to be re-introduced to the Bangladesh Air Force inventory in October 2025.

The publication writes  that at least 16 working engines are needed to make eight MiG-29 fighter jets flight-ready and maintain them in service.