Mikoyan MiG-29K

Mikoyan · Soviet Union · first flew 1988 · fighter

The Mikoyan MiG-29K is the carrier-based variant of the MiG-29, featuring folding wings, a strengthened airframe, and an arrester hook for operations from aircraft carriers. It serves with the Indian Navy and Russian Navy.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	17.3 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Carrier-borne variant of MiG-29 with folding wings
Reinforced undercarriage and arrester hook for deck operations
Twin vertical fins and leading-edge root extensions (LERXs)

Distinguished from land-based MiG-29 variants by folding outer wing panels, reinforced undercarriage legs, and the arrester hook visible beneath the rear fuselage.

Specifications

The Mikoyan MiG-29K has a length of 17.3 m (57 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.99 m (39 ft).
Its maximum speed is 2200 km/h (1367 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Originally developed in the 1980s for the Soviet Navy's carrier programme, the MiG-29K was shelved after the Soviet collapse but revived when India ordered it for INS Vikramaditya. Russia subsequently also ordered a batch for its own carrier operations. The type offers a capable multirole fighter for navies operating medium carriers.

Variants

The MiG-29KUB is the two-seat operational conversion trainer variant. The original 1988 prototype differed from production aircraft in several respects.

Where you'll see it

Operates with the Indian Navy (aboard INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant) and the Russian Navy (Admiral Kuznetsov air wing).

Related aircraft

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