The Russian-origin MiG-29K will operate from INS Vikrant
India got its newest aircraft carrier today. The largest ship ever made in India, INS Vikrant's main arsenal will be the Russian-origin MiG-29K, a naval version of the MiG-29 jet that has been serving with the Indian Air Force for decades.
Here are five facts about the Indian Navy's MiG-29K
- The MiG-29K is an all-weather fighter with a maximum speed over twice the speed of sound.
- It can pull up to eight times the force of gravity, and climb to an altitude of over 65,000 feet.
- It can engage targets in the air, at sea or on land. With its air-to-air refuelling capability, the MiG-29K can fly a long range to carry out critical missions.
- The MiG-29K squadron has been christened "INAS 303" and is popularly referred to as the "Black Panthers". It is based in INS Hansa, Goa.
- The Indian Navy on its official website says, "The MiG-29K...carries enough punch to undertake air dominance and power projection missions simultaneously, bestowing the Commander at sea, great flexibility."
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