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IAF Chief Flies Solo MiG-29 UPG Sortie, Reviews Western Air Command Base

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh conducted a solo flight in a MiG-29 UPG multi-role fighter aircraft at a forward operational base. He reviewed the operational preparedness of a base under the Western Air Command, with specific locations withheld for security. The visit highlighted the IAF's combat readiness and capabilities at forward-deployed locations. The upgraded MiG-29 UPG is a fourth-generation fighter with modern avionics, radar, and the ability to fire precision munitions.

Key Points: IAF Chief Flies MiG-29 Solo, Reviews Operational Preparedness

  • IAF Chief flies solo MiG-29 UPG sortie
  • Reviews operational preparedness of Western Air Command base
  • Interacts with IAF veterans at forward base
  • MiG-29 UPG is upgraded 4th-gen fighter with latest avionics
  • Aircraft capable of Mach 2.35 and precision munitions
2 min read

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flies MiG-29 UPG solo sortie; reviews op preparedness of Western Air Command base

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh pilots MiG-29 UPG in forward base, reviews Western Air Command ops and interacts with IAF veterans.

"The visit emphasised the Indian Air Force's operational readiness, combat capabilities and mission readiness at forward bases. - Report"

New Delhi, March 12

Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Thursday flew a solo sortie of the MiG-29 UPG multi-role aircraft in a forward operational base in India.

The Air Chief also reviewed the operational preparedness of a base in Western Air Command (WAC). The exact location of the MiG 29 sortie, and the WAC base has not been revealed due to security reasons.

Following his sortie, the Air Chief also interacted with Indian Air Force Veterans at the base, meeting the people who have served the country through the years.

The visit emphasised the Indian Air Force's operational readiness, combat capabilities and mission readiness at forward bases.

The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a twin-engine fighter aircraft by the Soviet Union. The Indian Air Force had decided to upgrade its MiG-29 fleet, which has been serving the force for nearly four decades.

The Soviet made aircraft was developed in the 1970s and was inducted into the Air Force in the 1980s, originally developed to counter American F-16 aircraft. The MiG-29 has various variants, some used by the Indian Navy too.

The Mikoyan MiG-29 (Upgrade) is a fourth-generation air superiority fighter aircraft. The aircraft has been upgraded with the latest avionics, radar, & air to air refueling capability. The aircraft is lethal and capable of firing air-to-air, air- to -surface armaments and precision munitions.

The MiG can reach the top speed of 2465 kilometres per hour (or Mach 2.35) at 11,000 metres (36,000 feet). The plane can climb up to 17,000 metres, with a climb rate of 330 metres per second.

The Air Chief Marshal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 21 1984. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot with over 5,000 flying hours on a variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Impressive credentials for the Air Chief Marshal. Over 5000 flying hours is no small feat. It's good to see such experienced leadership at the helm, especially when reviewing forward bases.
A
Aditya G
The MiG-29 UPG upgrade seems substantial. Avionics, radar, refueling... it's like giving a veteran warrior a new set of high-tech weapons. A cost-effective way to boost our air power while we induct new platforms.
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Priyanka N
Respect for him interacting with the veterans. Our armed forces have a strong culture of honoring those who served before. It's about continuity and learning from experience.
M
Michael C
While the gesture is commendable, we must also accelerate the induction of newer aircraft like the Tejas Mk1A and the planned MRFA. Over-reliance on upgraded legacy platforms, however capable, has its limits in the long run.
K
Karthik V
Mach 2.35! That's blistering speed. The fact that a design from the 70s, properly upgraded, can still be this relevant is a testament to its solid engineering. A reliable workhorse for our air defence.

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