This is a list of Mikoyan MiG-29 operators.
Belarus had 34 MiG-29 in service as of 2022.[1]
Bulgaria had 13 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Bulgaria bought 15 MiG-29, before including 2 MiG-29UB. Also 4 MiG-29 in reserve. One aircraft disassembled in Bulgarian military factory. One MiG-29A crashed in 1994 and one MiG-29UB in 2004. They are scheduled to be replaced by F-16s by 2024.[2]
Poland had 29 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Poland bought 12 aircraft (nine MiG-29 9.12A and three MiG-29UB 9.51) from the Soviet Union between 1989 and 1990. Next ten ex-Czech aircraft (nine MiG-29A and one MiG-29UB) were exchanged with Czech Republic for 11 Polish PZL W-3 Sokół helicopters in 1996. Last 22 were handed over by Germany in 2003. In December 2017 a MiG-29A #67 from 23rd Air Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki crashed on approach. The pilot survived. In July 2018 a MiG-29A #4103 from 22nd Air Base in Malbork crashed near Elbląg during night flight. The pilot died after ejecting. In total Poland had 44 aircraft (36 MiG-29A and eight MiG-29UB) but only 30 aircraft were operational in two units.
Between 2001 and 2005 all aircraft were upgraded with domestic SC-10D2 Supraśl IFF, Rockwell Collins AN/ARN-153 (TCN 500) TACAN and ANV-241 MMR VOR/ILS receivers, Trimble 2101AP civilian GPS receiver, Thomson-CSF SB-14 radar warning receiver, RS 6113-2 VHF/UHF radio with R-862 control panel and new anti-collision lights.[3] Their service life was extended up to 4000 flight hour or until 2028. In 2011-2014 period 16 aircraft from the 23rd Air Base (former 1. elt) received second modernization package, consisting of MFCD 5"x7" multi-function display, MDP mission computer, Up-Front Control Panel (UFCP), Honeywell Enhanced GPS Inertial navigation system (EGI) with SAASM, MIL-STD-1553B data bus and Rockwell Collins AN/ARC-210 (Talon RT-8200) VHF/UHF radio, exploitation was changed from flight hours to be based on technical status.[4] [5] All the units are to be replaced by F-35 Lightning II.
In March 2022, Poland sought to transfer all of its MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine,[6] following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the transfer was opposed by Poland's partners in other NATO countries, including the United States. Opposition relented in 2023 and 10 were transferred to Ukraine.[7]
The Russian Aerospace Forces had 253 MiG-29s and MiG-35s in service as of 2024, while the Russian Naval Aviation had 22 MiG-29s in service as of 2024.[8] Russia had 260 MiG-29s in inventory as of 2021.[9]
Serbia had 13 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Serbia inherited four MiG-29B and one MiG-29UB from Yugoslavia.[10] Refurbished and returned to service in 2009. One MiG-29 crashed in 2009. By 2011, only 3 MiG-29s (2 single seaters and 1 dual seater) were operational.[11] In 2017, the Serbian government signed an agreement with their Russian counterparts for 4 MiG-29 and 2 MiG-29UB that were modernized. Belarus also donated 4 aircraft with a more modest modernization package. While the aircraft were donated, modernization was paid for by Serbia. Deliveries of all 10 aircraft were completed in 2021, bringing the total number to 14.[12]
Ukraine had 51 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Ukraine inherited hundreds of MiG-29s at the dissolution of the USSR. 37-70 MiG-29s were still in use as of March 2019[13] [14]
Bangladesh had 8 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] 16 MiG-29s were ordered, however procurement was cancelled after 8 aircraft were delivered.[15]
India had 115 MiG-29s in service as of 2022, 75 in the Indian Air Force and 40 in the Indian Navy.[1] [17] In July 2020 the Indian Air Force got two MiG-29UPG which were upgraded from the last two remaining legacy MiG-29s, taking the number of aircraft from 65 to 67. In January 2021, the Indian Ministry of Defense finally approved the upgrading of existing aircraft to UPG2 Standard with AESA radar, more advanced electronic warfare suites and weapons. 21 additional aircraft were purchased from Russia, to be constructed from the airframes mothballed in the late 1980s and upgraded with "the latest avionics and electronic warfare suites." The request for a proposal to buy two more MiG-29s airframes from Malaysia was made in February 2021. IAF want to take the total existing Mig-29UPG numbers from 67 to 90, with 5 operational squadrons until 2022 March–April. The final purchase order of 21 more aircraft was placed on February, 2021.[18]
In January 2004, twelve MiG-29Ks and four MiG-29KUBs were ordered for the Indian Naval Air Arm to operate from . In September 2008, it was reported that India intended to buy 30 more Mig-29Ks.[19]
In 2019, Russia donated two MiG-29UB to Mongolia.[20] They are still in service as of 2022.[1]
Myanmar had 31 MiG-29s in service as of 2022[1] with 26 of them are MiG-29SM/SEs (9.13M and 9.13) and 5 MiG-29UBs (9.51 trainer version).[21]
North Korea had 35 MiG-29(9-13)s in service as of 2022.[1]
Turkmenistan had 24 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1]
Uzbekistan had 38 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1]
Algeria had 36 MiG-29 in service as of 2023,in which 1 was a MIG29UB (operational since 1998) used for conversion training,21 MiG-29S (operational since 1999) and 14 MIG29M/M2(operational since 2020).Algeria has ordered 50 MiG-29S and 8 MiG-29UB in total between 1998 and 2005.36 MiG-29 9.19 were to be delivered between 2007 and 2008. However, in March 2008, in an unprecedented move, Algeria decided to return 15 of the MiG-29 9.19 aircraft delivered in 2006-07 back to Russia, citing the "inferior quality" of certain components and units. Following this the MiG-29SMT has been cancelled with SU-30MKA instead ordered.This also cancelled the fact that MIG29S were going to be upgraded to 9.19 standard and UB to UBT standarts.
Eritrea had 7 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Eritrea received 8 aircraft in 1998, of these 6 are known to be operational.[22]
Sudan had 11 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] According to Sudanese Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Mohammed Hussein, Sudan bought 12 MiG-29 from Russia in 2004 (despite the UN arms embargo[23] and other 12 in 2008 (probable Russian surplus via Belarus). One MiG-29 was shot down in May 2008 by heavy machine gun fire during a CAS mission;[24]
As of 2024, the Azerbaijani Air Forces operate 12 single seat, and 3 twin seat MiG-29s[25]
Egypt had 44 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1]
Iran had 19 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Iran bought 20 MiG-29 9.12B from the Soviet Union in 1989 and 4 two seat MiG-29UB aircraft. The also received nine Iraqi MiG-29s that had fled to Iran during the 1991 Gulf War.[26]
Syria had 29 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] MiG-29SM for the Syrian Air Force based on the MiG-29SM, except the Syrian MiG-29SM uses the 9.12 airframe. RAC MiG developed a special variant for Syria.[27] Russia repaired and upgraded several Syrian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jets.[28] In 2007 Syria reportedly signed a deal for 24 Mig-29M2s that was delayed, in 2011 Syria signed a deal for another 24 Mig-29M2's.[29] [30]
In 2019, Belarus reportedly upgraded Syria's fleet of MiG-29s with the BCO "Talisman" Electronic Warfare System, giving the fighter jet a significant increase to its capability.[31]
Yemen had 23 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Since 2005 the standard was MiG-29SMT, replacing SE version (14 SE and UB delivered in 2001, after sent to MiG to be updated). Together with those 14 aircraft updated, RSK-MiG sold 6 new examples. Later there was eventually another batch delivered.[32] Operational status is unknown due to civil war and foreign intervention.
Cuba had 3 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1]
Peru had 8 MiG-29s in service as of 2022.[1] Peru acquired 18 aircraft from Belarus in 1996, 16 MiG-29 (9.13) and 2 MiG-29UB (9.51) (one purchased new by Belarus to Russia to replace the unit rejected by the Peruvian Air Force for technical issues). Two aircraft were lost in accidents in 1997 and 2001 respectively. Three additional MiG-29SE (9.13SE) were purchased from Russia in 1998 to replace the lost aircraft.
On 12 August 2008 a contract of US$106 million was signed with RAC MiG for a custom-made SM-based upgrade of eight MiG-29 called MiG-29SMP.[33] Four MiG-29SMP (three single-seaters and one twin-seater) were displayed in maneuvers during the Peruvian Air Force anniversary celebrations on 23 July 2012.[34]
The United States bought 21 aircraft from Moldova.[35] Different private owned companies and individuals bought MiG-29s from former USSR republics.[36]
Czechoslovakia had 18 MiG-29A and 2 MiG-29UB from 1989. All were passed on (in 1:1 ratio) to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The Czech Republic inherited 9 MiG-29A and 1 MiG-29UB from Czechoslovakia. The aircraft are no longer in service, having been exchanged with Poland for 11 PZL W-3 Sokół helicopters in 1996.
East Germany received 24 aircraft delivered in 1988–1989, including 4 MiG-29UBs. They were based at Preschen. Upon the German Reunification in 1990 all were passed to the West German Air Force.
Germany inherited 24 aircraft from East Germany in 1990 and upgraded them to NATO compatibility. One was lost, and one was kept for display when the remaining 22 were transferred to Poland in 2003, following the arrival of the Eurofighter Typhoon which replaced them.
Hungary received 28 MIG-29s in 1993 as debt compensation from Russia. The last of them was retired in December, 2010. Eight of them were put up for sale with the bidding starting at US$18 Million. The bidders had to submit offers by 15 September 2011[37] [38]
Iraq received 37 aircraft.33 fighter versions and 4 trainer versions. Initially, Iraq planned to purchase 130 planes, including both, but were abandoned due to high oil prices and sanctions.(reference)16 were destroyed in Gulf War, 4 evacuated to Iran. Remaining squadron (with 17 aircraft) withdrawn from service in 1995 due to engine TBO expiry.
2 aircraft, borrowed from an undisclosed European air force (according to online images aircraft from the Polish Air Force were used) for evaluation. Flown by 601 Squadron, the Israeli Air Force's flight test center.[39]
Kazakhstan had 23 MiG-29s in service as of 2023.[1] These were retired in late 2023, put up for auction in October 2023, and sold to the USA in April 2024. It is speculated that these will be transferred to Ukraine for use as spare part sources and/or decoys.[40] [41] [42]
Malaysia received a total of 18 MiG-29s. 16 left with 2 lost to crashes in recent years and the Royal Malaysian Air Force have retired its MiG-29s squadron from active service in 2018. All 16 MiG-29s are kept as Active Reserve.
Moldova had 34 aircraft inherited from USSR. 6 of them were sold to Yemen, 21 bought by USA, 1 MiG-29S sold to Romania. Last 6 remaining MiG-29S were overhauled in Ukraine recently. Yemen returned 6 MiG-29S.The remaining Moldovan MiGs are grounded due to lack of spare parts.
Romania received 20 MiG-29A delivered from USSR starting in 1989 plus 1 MiG-29S from Moldova. Romanian aircraft were retired in 2003 after funding was cut for upgrade programme.[43]
Slovakia had 11 MiG-29s in service as of 2022[1] before they retired their remaining MiG-29s in 2022. On 17 March 2023, the Slovak government approved sending its retired fleet of thirteen MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.[44] On 23 March 2023, the first four aircraft have been handed over to Ukraine.[45] On 17 April 2023 the Slovak Ministry of defence informed that all of the remaining jets have already been sent to Ukraine.[46]
Upon its dissolution in 1991 the Soviet Union had approximately 1,000 aircraft in service. Upon the break-up they were passed to Belarus (50), Ukraine (220), Kazakhstan (40), Uzbekistan (30), Turkmenistan (20). The remaining 600+ were passed to Russia. Many were subsequently sold off to third-party states and/or written off.[47]
Yugoslavia received 14 MiG-29Bs and 2 MiG-29UBs from the Soviet Union in 1987 and 1988. During operation Allied Force, six MiG-29s were shot down, while another three and one MiG-29UB were destroyed on the ground by NATO,[48] One MiG-29 was also lost in a noncombat related accident. Since the dissolution of Yugoslavia the remaining four MiG-29s and single MiG-29UB were passed on to Serbia.