The Russian-made MiG-29 fourth-generation multirole fighter jet continues to maintain its operational relevance decades after its debut. According to Operative Information Center-OMM, Christian Orr, a columnist for the American publication 19FortyFive, highlighted the aircraft's longevity in a recent analytical piece.
The author noted that these Soviet-designed aircraft are proving to be more durable than the Soviet Union itself. According to Orr, the Indian Air Force remains one of the primary operators of the MiG-29. The report indicates that India does not merely operate these Soviet-era jets but also consistently invests in their modernization to meet contemporary combat requirements. Ukraine was also cited as a prominent example of a nation currently utilizing the MiG-29 in its active fleet.
The MiG-29 was developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the USSR as a highly maneuverable air superiority fighter. Since its introduction into service in 1982, the aircraft has been exported to over 30 countries. Known for its agility and dual-engine reliability, the MiG-29 was originally designed to counter American fighters like the F-15 and F-16. Today, it remains a staple of many air forces across Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa, often undergoing significant electronic and weapons system upgrades to extend its service life into the mid-21st century.
