Antony to commission MIG-29 K fighter planes into Navy

Panaji, May 6: Union Defence Minister A K Antony will commission MIG-29 K fighter planes into the Indian Navy on May 11 in Goa.

The squadron, named INAS 303 Black Panthers, will be commissioned on May 11 by the Defence Minister at INS Hansa Naval base in the state, Indian Navy PRO said.

The aircrafts were inducted in the force on February 19, 2010.

The MIG-29K (K stands for 'Korabelny' meaning "Carrier Borne" in Russian) is a potent carrier borne fighter, which, once integrated with 'INS Vikramaditya' will bolster the Navy's punch with its multi-role capability, the PRO said.

The aircraft, armed with its arsenal of weapons, including advanced anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, precious bombs and sophisticated systems to support weapon delivery, will not only be able to dominate the air in all spectrum of conflict but simultaneously project power to meet the nation's military objectives.

This lethal fighter aircraft will enhance Indian Navy's capability to exercise air superiority in its area of influence, he said.

It will also decisively enhance the core of Navy's striking power. The last three years since the induction have seen the men and their machines attain full operational status and the squadron is now ready to undertake any mission assigned.

He said that the men and machine have successfully completed all tasks and trials assigned and established its role worthiness, and the MIG-29K squadron is now ready to be commissioned into front line unit of the Indian Navy squadron.

PTI