MiG-29K aircraft formally inducted into Indian Navy
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, February 19, 2010
Defence Minister in the cockpit of Mig-29K
The induction of this sophisticated Russian made MiG-29K maritime fighter aircraft will add much needed punch to Indian Navy's aviation wing.
The aircraft will be deployed on under construction aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.
Defence Minister A K Antony formally inducted the aircraft into the Navy on Friday.
Four MiG 29Ks of the 'Black Panthers' squadron were inducted at a ceremony. India had placed orders for 16 MiG-29K in 2004 along with Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier from Russia.
Mig29-K Flying in a formation
These four aircraft arrived in India in December last year.
Navy said that the fighter jets would be operated for around first two years from the under-development shore-based testing facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa.
After formal induction of Admiral Gorshkov, slated for 2012, the aircraft will be deployed on this aircraft carrying cruiser.
