Russian MiG-29K jets officially enter service with Indian Navy

[Kshasty]

The Indian Navy on Friday formally took delivery of Russian-made MiG-29K fighters, which will eventually be deployed on an aircraft carrier being refitted in Russia.

Defense Minister A K Antony said the entry into service of the MiG-29K carrier fighters marked a "milestone" for the Indian Navy.

"The induction of MiG-29K fighters into the naval inventory fulfills a long standing requirement of our Navy," Antony said.

The ceremony, held at the Hansa airbase, was attended by top Indian military officials, including Antony and Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Nirmal Verma, and a Russian delegation led by Industry and Trade Minister Viktor Khristenko.

Russia and India signed a contract in 2004 for the delivery of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB fighters to be deployed on the Admiral Gorshkov, currently being retrofitted in Russia for the Indian Navy.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100219/157943434.html

[JPZenger]

1. long long time coming

The sale of an aircraft carrier and Migs to India has been a very long time coming. This has been underway for many many years.

[SteveM]

2. Interesting, but maybe National Security Forum? nt