India is planning to upgrade its Russian-origin MiG-29K combat jet fleet for its aircraft carrier operations and has sought help from Indian vendors to develop and manufacture critical subsystems.
The push for indigenising the subsystems for the naval fighter aircraft was aimed at improving the fleet’s operational availability and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, while strengthening self-reliance.
The MiG-29K are currently the only naval fighter jets that Indian Navy operates on board its INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant aircraft carriers.
The aircraft is an all-weather supersonic multirole fighter and serves as the primary carrier deck-based fleet. The aircraft is deployed to achieve air dominance, carry out maritime strikes, and in sea denial roles.
The MiG29K is operated by the Indian Navy on its two aircraft carriers to protect the carrier battle groups associated with them and to project maritime air power.
However, the Indian Navy has had troubles with the MiG-29K fleet due to challenges in maintenance, spare supplies, and serviceability since its induction a decade-and-a-half ago.
In connection with the indigenisation effort, the Idnian Navy has now invited Indian vendors under a Request for Information (RFI) for “indigenous design and development of ground automated test system (NASK 1-29K) and carrier-based automated test system (KSAK 1-29K)” for the MiG-29K/KUB aircraft.
These automated test systems are used for scheduled maintenance task cards such as testing all equipment and systems, including fuel system, air data system, avionics, fly by wire, electrical power generation and distribution system, armament systems in preparation for weapon loading, various modes and functionality/performance of the radar and its sub components, and investigation of engine parameters.
The selected Indian vendors would work with state-run companies and research agencies during the design and development of the subsystems, to strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities and enhance national security through supply chain control.