India Sends a Message to Moscow: US Will Modernize Our MiG-29s

Defence affairs analysis

India’s Reliance Defence has entered into a $2.34 billion strategic partnership with US-based Coastal Mechanics Inc. (CMI) to jointly maintain, upgrade, and extend the life of key Indian military platforms—most notably the Russian-designed MiG-29 fighter jet.

The agreement, signed on June 30, marks a significant shift in India’s approach to managing its aging Soviet-era arsenal. It includes full Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for over 100 MiG-29s, 100 Jaguar strike aircraft, Apache AH-64 helicopters, and L-70 air defense systems, to be performed at a new joint facility at MIHAN in Nagpur, Maharashtra, defense media outlet Army Recognition reported on July 8.

“This collaboration brings together Indian industrial scale and American technical expertise to sustain legacy platforms without overreliance on the original Russian manufacturers,” the companies stated.

India’s MiG-29 modernization goes West

The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates around 52 MiG-29UPGs across two frontline squadrons, while the Indian Navy fields another 40 carrier-based MiG-29Ks on INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

The aging fleet has become increasingly difficult to maintain due to delays and shortages of Russian parts, prompting India to seek alternative supply chains and modernization strategies.