India confirms order of 29 more MiG-29Ks for the navy

Panaji, Goa: Indian defence minister AK Antony has confirmed that India will indeed order an additional 29 MiG-29K combat jets for the Indian Navy over and above the initial order placed for 16 such fighters.

The MiG-29K two-seat variant

"As per the navy's requirements we will be buying 29 additional fighter aircraft from Russia," Antony told reporters after formally inducting the navy's first four MiG-29Ks.

He, however, did mention any time frame for the supply of the fresh batch.

The induction ceremony was held at the navy's shore-based establishment at Dabolim, INS Hansa, and was marked by a spectacular fly past performed by the newly inducted fighter aircraft.

Antony along with the chief of the Indian naval staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma, and several other dignitaries from India and Russia were present on the occasion.

It is being given to understand that the four jets inducted Friday will soon be joined by another two that are currently undergoing tests. Ten more will be received over the coming months.