Defence Ministry approves proposal to acquire 21 MiG-29 and 12 Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia

Amid the ongoing border tensions with China, the Ministry of Defence Thursday approved procurement of a number of frontline fighter jets, missile systems and other platforms at a cost of Rs 38,900 crore, to bolster the combat capability of the Armed Forces.

According to news agency PTI, government officials said 21 MiG-29 fighter jets are being bought from Russia, while 12 Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircraft will be procured from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The ministry has also approved a separate proposal to upgrade existing 59 MiG-29 aircraft.

“Addressing the long-felt need of the Indian Air Force to increase its fighter squadrons, the DAC also approved the proposal for procurement of 21 MIG-29 along with upgradation of existing 59 Mig-29 aircraft and procurement of 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft. While the MIG 29 procurement and upgradation from Russia is estimated to cost Rs 7,418 Cr, the Su-30 MKI will be procured from HAL at an estimated cost of Rs 10,730 Cr,” a statement by the ministry said.