Algeria 14 MiG-29M FGA aircraft from Russia

The Algerian Air Force is taking delivery of its first Russian-made MiG-29M/M2 multirole combat aircrafts in a deal which is expected to increase the size of the country’s combat fleet and replace legacy systems operated by the 193rd fighter squadron.

According to international sources, the MiGs fighters were delivered disassembled and are now being prepared for their first flights at the Oran.

Bou Sfer air base in Oran is home to the 193e Escadron de Chasse / 3e Escadre de Défense Aérienne which operates the older version of the MiG-29, the MiG-29S and MiG-29UB.

Algeria is thought to have ordered 14 jets at the MAKS 2019 air show, comprising of new single seat MiG-29M and dual seat MiG-29M2.

The contract will see Algeria acquire additional 16 Su-30MKA and 14 MiG-29M/M2 fighters from Russia in a contract worth nearly $2 billion excluding weapons and training. The MiG-29M is the most capable variant of its class, and is also operated by the Egyptian Air Force.

Algeria had previously ordered 34 new MiG-29SMTs from Russia, but due to quality problems Algeria refused further deliveries after 15 had been received and Russia instead supplied Algeria with 16 Su-30s.

More Mig-29s to Algeria

Algeria has apparently taken delivery of the first of 14 new MiG-29M/M2 aircraft it ordered from Russia in 2019.

This is according to menadefense.net, which reported in late October that the first fighters were delivered disassembled and were being prepared for their first flights at the Oran air base.

The MiG-29M/MiG-29M2 fighters will replace MiG-29S aircraft operated by the Algerian Air Force’s 193rd fighter squadron. These aircraft are identical to the MiG-29Ms Egypt recently acquired, the website said.

In September 2019, Russian daily newspaper Vedomosti reported that Algeria had ordered an additional 16 Su-30MKA aircraft, joining the 58 already in service, and another 14 MiG-29M/M2 aircraft. Both purchases are worth around $1.8 billion, but the value could exceed $2 billion if weapons and equipment are added.

The MiG-29M (and two seat MiG-29M2) is an improved version of the MiG-29 featuring longer range due to increased internal fuel, a lighter airframe, slightly more powerful and improved RD-33MK engines, an in-flight refuelling probe, multi-function displays in the cockpit and improved avionics.

Source: By defenceWeb - 02 November 2020

Photo: Algerian AF 14 Mikoyan MiG-29M Fulcrum-C FGA aircrafts Incl MiG-29M2 trainer/combat version