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Arsenal/Fighter/MiG-29 “Fulcrum”
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Russia / Soviet Union · Active

MiG-29 “Fulcrum”

Fourth-generation air-superiority fighter

A twin-engine Soviet-designed tactical fighter known for high agility, rugged operation and potent short-range air-combat performance.

Introduced1983
SpeedMach 2.25
RangeApprox. 700 km combat radius
Crew1–2
Platform profile

Technical overview

Manufacturer
Mikoyan
Primary role
Fourth-generation air-superiority fighter
Dimensions
17.3 m length · 11.4 m span
Operators
Russia, India and numerous international air forces
Variants
MiG-29 · MiG-29K · MiG-29M · MiG-29SMT · MiG-35 derivative
Operational status
Active
Complete platform dossier

MiG-29 “Fulcrum” details

Identity

Full name
Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name: Fulcrum)
Type
Air-superiority / multirole fighter
Generation
Fourth generation
Manufacturer
Mikoyan
Country of origin
Soviet Union
First flight
6 October 1977
Entered service
1983
Crew
1; 2 in trainer variants

Primary roles

  • Air superiority
  • Point defence
  • Interception
  • Multirole strike on upgraded variants

Variants

MiG-29
Original land-based fighter
MiG-29UB
Two-seat trainer
MiG-29K
Carrier-capable multirole variant
MiG-29M / SMT
Modernized multirole variants

Performance

Maximum speed
Mach 2.25
Combat radius
Approximately 700 km
Service ceiling
59,000 ft (18,000 m)

Engine

  • 2 × Klimov RD-33 afterburning turbofan engines
  • Twin-engine layout provides strong acceleration and redundancy

Stealth features

  • Not a low-observable design
  • Small frontal profile and low-altitude performance support tactical survivability

Avionics

  • Pulse-Doppler radar, type dependent
  • Infrared Search and Track (IRST)
  • Helmet-mounted sight
  • Modernized radar and data links on later variants

Armament

Internal gun
1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1
Air-to-air missiles
R-73, R-77 and R-27
Air-to-ground weapons
Various guided and unguided bombs and missiles, variant dependent

Payload

Maximum external payload
Approximately 4.5 tonnes on upgraded variants
Weapon stations
Typically 6–8, depending on variant

Strengths

  • Excellent manoeuvrability
  • Twin-engine reliability
  • Combat-proven design
  • Still widely operated around the world

Limitations

  • Early variants have limited range and cockpit ergonomics
  • High operating demands compared with lightweight Western fighters
  • Capabilities vary widely between legacy and modernized aircraft

Operators and customers

RussiaIndiaPolandUkraineSerbiaBulgariaSlovakia and numerous current or former international operators

Interesting facts

  1. The MiG-29 was designed to counter aircraft such as the F-16 and F/A-18.
  2. Its helmet-mounted sight and R-73 missile gave early aircraft formidable close-combat capability.
  3. Naval MiG-29K variants operate from aircraft carriers.