More than half of the Russian MiG-29SMT park remained rusty near Kursk (photo)

In the early 2000s, these machines were to become part of the updated Russian Air Fleet, but now they are covered with rust reminiscent of lapses in strategic planning. This was reported on December 11 by Bulgarian Militis. The MiG-29SMT was conceived as a transitional solution, which allows to extend the life of the outdated MiG-29 platforms. The modernization program envisaged the improvement of avionic, improving radars, increasing fuel supply and expanding weapons.

However, due to the chronic lack of funding, the number of modernized machines was quite modest-only about 40-42 units. The rest of the fleet either remained unchanged or actually failed. The situation was complicated by the use of the components of the 1990s, originally intended for the older version of the MiG-29. This solution limited the durability of the aircraft and reduced their combat value.

According to the EASTERN ORDER OF BATTLE analytical platform, a large part of the MiG-29-CMT under Kursk is idle, exposed to corrosion. The modernization attempts made in 2021 remained without visible results. Prolonged silence about the fate of these aircraft raises the question: whether they plan to restore them or finally write off. The failures of the modernization program have also affected international sales.

Countries, such as Algeria, have abandoned the purchase of the MiG-29SMT, expressing doubts about the reliability and quality of this model. Moreover, against the backdrop of increased competition with modern fighters such as Su-35 and Su-57, MiG-29SMT was in the shade. Thus, the fate of these machines remains uncertain. Among the possible scenarios is the transfer of fighters to allies, such as North Korea.

Experts say that the upgraded MiG-29SMT could significantly strengthen Pyongyang's aviation, which still rests on the 1980s model. An alternative is the use of aircraft as a source of spare parts to maintain the combat capability of others MiG-29. This is a logical step, given the limited resources of Russia in the face of a continuing conflict in Ukraine.