Good old MiGs will never die

23
After decades of warfare, only two countries in the western part of the former Yugoslavia fly modern jet aircraft: Serbia and Croatia. Both countries announced plans to operate at least one regiment of modern multi-role jet fighters. Until new fighters appear, two MiG-21bis armed with R-60 air-to-air missiles will be on combat duty in the air forces of both countries. Aviation Both countries are racing against time, as existing planes need to be replaced until they finally exhaust their resources. But the limited funds means that both countries must keep in mind the option in which the MiG-21 will remain in combat force for the next several years.

Serbia

In the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense, all fighters are concentrated in one unit, the Vityaz 101 Fighter Regiment from the 204 Air Brigade, located at the Bataynitsa airfield. Four MiG-29 fly in the 1 link - three single MiG-29B (local designation L-18) and one “Spark” MiG-29UB (NL-18). These are the only surviving planes from 16 received in 1987-1988. 11 were destroyed during the Kosovo war in 1999. All remaining planes were decommissioned in 2005 due to resource development.


In December, 2006 signed a contract with the Russian company RAC "MiG" for the repair and limited modernization of five MiG-29, the purchase of a flight simulator, new P-27Р1 missiles and spare parts. Four MiG-29s were returned to service in 2008, but one aircraft was destroyed in a flight incident in 2009. Work on the fifth aircraft was completed in 2011, thus all aircraft were extended for ten years or 700 flight operations hours On combat duty, the Serbian MiG-29 is usually armed with P-73 and P-60 missiles; Another frequently used combination is the suspension of two P-27 missiles and four P-60 or six P-73 / P-60 for close-to-air combat. Pilots who are chosen for service on the MiG-29 belong to older ages, usually in the 40 years. In 2011, two Serbian MiG-29s used the P-60 missiles for the first time at the Saber range on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. They relocated to the Bulgarian air base Graf Ignatievo to participate in the exercises, which were held jointly with the Bulgarian colleagues on their MiG-29. The next joint exercise is scheduled for 2014. At the same time, Bulgarian pilots will visit their colleagues in Serbia for training on the MiG-29 flight simulator.

The remaining units of the 101 regiment (2 and 3 link, as well as the 4 reconnaissance link) fly to the MiG-21. On paper, the regiment consists of two 28 fighter jets - 21 MiG-21bis (L-17, including two reconnaissance versions equipped with Vinten 880 and 753A cameras) and seven two-seater MiG-21UM (NL-16Sh). But in fact, most of them have developed their resource, while others do not fly due to the lack of spare parts, the remaining ones are simply declared redundant for the existing tasks.


In general, the MiG-21 resource is 30 years or 2400 hours for the bis version and 3600 hours for the Sparks. The overhaul period is 10 years or 750-850 hours. Medium repair for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense is carried out at the aircraft repair company Moma Stanojlovic, located at the air base of Batainic. An alternative approach is to use the 24 Aviation Technical Battalion of the 204 Aviation Brigade for expedited repairs, which extends the life for five years or 500 hours, and the total resource to 35 years. But only two single-seater fighters have permission to fly up to 2013, and the resource of two “Sparks” expires in 2016 and 2019.

Given the fact that the combat duty is carried by two MiG-21bis, there is little time left until the day when the small fleet of MiG-29 will carry the country's air defense exclusively on its own. In 2010, the Ministry of Defense sent a request for information to aircraft manufacturers and received answers from companies producing Eurofighter, Rafale, Su-30MK2, MiG-29М, F-16C / D Block 52 and JF-17 fighters.

Of course, the cost will be the determining factor. Current modernization plans provide for the simultaneous purchase of three complex systems: a multifunctional combat aircraft, an intermediate-range air defense missile system, and two 3D radars to monitor the airspace. The funds necessary for this are so large that a special law will be required to allow such an acquisition, since it exceeds the volume of the regular military budget. Since this is still not enough, the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense also plan to upgrade the 14 light attack aircraft Galeb G-4 to the G-4MD version, which will allow them to be used for in-depth training of new fighter pilots. But in fact, very little of what is planned will be realized, if at all.

Serbia's defense budget for 2013 is 533 million euros, of which only 34,45 million is for arms purchases and equipment. The funding of the Galeb G-4MD attack, Kub-М2 air defense systems and surveillance systems has been approved for funding.

Croatia

The Croatian air force and air defense are currently armed with ten MiG-21 - six MiG-21bisD and four MiG-21UMD, which are part of the Combat Aircraft Regiment, based on the 91 base at Pleso airport near Zagreb. Due to a chronic shortage of spare parts, ongoing training is not carried out regularly, which calls into question the maintenance of combat duty on an ongoing basis.

History the receipt of the MiG-21 by the Croatian Air Force and Air Defense goes out during the civil war at the beginning of the 1990-s. In 1992, three pilots deserted from the federal Air Force of Yugoslavia, and flew to Croatia on their MiG-21bis. Of these, two aircraft were shot down by the Serbs during the fighting, and the third was written off.


New shipments of MiG-21bis and UM illegally took place from Ukraine in 1993-1994. bypassing the UN embargo, as a result, by the end of the fighting in 1995, there were at least 23 MiG-21bis and four “Sparky” MiG-21US / UM. At present, aviation consists of six MiG-21bisD, remaining eight, that has been repaired at the Romanian Aerostar enterprise, as well as four MiG-21UMD repaired there. The work carried out by Aerostar extended the service life of the aircraft by 10 years, which has almost been exhausted. Plans to replace the MiG-21 were postponed and the best that can be hoped for is the availability of funds that will extend the life of the aircraft and it is possible to buy aircraft in Ukraine.

After reviewing the proposals of new and used aircraft from Russia, the USA, Germany, Sweden and Israel, Croatia decided to stop repairing its MiGs in Ukraine or Romania. Additional MiG-21bis must also be acquired to form a full-fledged squadron of 12 aircraft, as well as four two-seater aircraft. Expenses in the amount of 20 million euros will be paid from the budget in 2013 and 2014. [As is known, in July 2013, the contract for the repair of seven Croatian MiG-21 in Ukraine and the supply of five more aircraft of the same type was signed - approx. Periscope].

Croatia has become a leader in the organization of regional air defense. The Croatian Air Force and Air Defense are integrated into the NATO Integrated Air Defense and Missile Defense System (NATINADS), which uses data obtained from the participating countries to protect NATO territory. From June 2011, he began to receive information from radar stations located in Bosnia-Herzegovina. There are plans for its integration with Montenegro, and in the long term, the airspace of both countries can be defended by Croatian fighter jets.

With the exception of Serbia and Croatia, all other countries in the region have withdrawn combat aircraft from service and rely on NATINADS. When Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia are integrated into the data exchange system, their participation will be to assist in the observation of airspace and the development of the ground component of the air defense system.

Original publication: Air Forces Monthly, March 2013 - Aleksandar Radic

Translation by Andrei Frolov
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23 comments
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  1. +6
    27 November 2013 09: 08
    quote-After decades of wars, only two countries in the western part of the former Yugoslavia fly modern jet aircraft: Serbia and Croatia.

  2. +3
    27 November 2013 09: 56
    It is a pity that all MiG-21,23 were destroyed, sold out, stored in warehouses just in case, such as a war with China or the Entente. For a couple of three combat sorties would be enough.
    1. +8
      27 November 2013 10: 59
      And the pilots? Also one two times?
      1. Old skeptic
        +2
        27 November 2013 22: 23
        What about an unmanned version?
  3. +6
    27 November 2013 10: 38
    As far as I am aware of the amateur (reading about aviation) ... The MiG-29 is still in its class of light front-line fighter, in no way inferior to its counterparts (F16, etc.) and in such an important component as field repair, it is not demanding to runway quality, preparation time for departure — seriously surpasses any western (LA)
    1. +10
      27 November 2013 11: 43
      Quote: complete zero
      MiG-29 still


      look at it - it’s breathtaking, it’s hard to find a more beautiful airplane, and beauty, as you know, will save the world.
    2. The comment was deleted.
  4. Jedi
    +3
    27 November 2013 11: 22
    yes, he "seriously does not surpass anyone" there. but the plane is good, with potential. and now we are taking it into service as a carrier-based fighter ...
    1. +7
      27 November 2013 14: 38
      In general, I agree, but the situation when “they want, but cannot finance” in the current situation on the arms market smells like “idiocy.” I think I will not be mistaken in saying that Croatia is no less interested in modernizing its MiGs than Russia is in expanding the club foreign operators of their equipment. Now there are so many payment schemes on "credit". Maybe even somewhere it would be worth "damping", even if all this "jumps out" to zero, Russia will win. Firstly, we have a springboard for organizing a service center "MiG" in central Europe, secondly, to keep any Balkan state by the credit "beard" means to influence its foreign policy. Taking into account the way Churchill used to say, "The wind in the Balkans makes the weather in all of Europe."
    2. +6
      27 November 2013 19: 54
      Jedi. "He is" seriously superior to no one. "
      The MiG-29 is the only 4th generation fighter to fall into the hands of NATO specialists in sufficient numbers. All NATO air forces conducted training air battles with this aircraft. And they concluded: do not engage in close maneuverable combat (since almost everyone won the MiG), attack from long distances. This means that over the ground battlefield, where the MiG-29 flies (this is its direct purpose - to support the SV and gain dominance in the sky over the battlefield), the NATO flyers must first bring down the MiGs from long distances (but for now they’re there no-no) , and then think about the support of CB. Or forget about the support of the SV, if on the approach of the MiG.
      Of course, time does not stand still. New planes appear. I think that only Rafal can adequately compete with him. The MiG only needs a good radar. Since the middle of the year, 2 MiG-29s have been allocated for testing the "Zhuk" radar (forgive me the index). hi
      1. +2
        27 November 2013 20: 17
        Quote: Kasym
        MiG-29 is the only fighter of the 4 generation, which in sufficient numbers fell into the hands of NATO specialists. All NATO air forces conducted training air battles with this aircraft. And they concluded: not to engage in close maneuverable combat (since almost everyone won the MiG), attack from long distances


        Good evening dauren hi Look to the end.
      2. +2
        28 November 2013 00: 15
        Quote: Kasym
        And they concluded: do not engage in close maneuverable combat (since almost everything was won by the MiG)

        I do not quite agree with you. In visits to different parts of the United States, our territory and the conducted withdrawal of flights, it is that close air combat maneuver depends on the pilot's experience. Particularly strong opponents were, if I remember correctly formations armed with "block 30", it was said that these machines are quite flexible. The new F-16 unit was more serious, but the pilot's experience is important.

        Quote: Kasym
        MiG needs only a good radar.


        Unfortunately, time was lost due to one reason or another. That was, who knows for sure. Now only the radar will not help, as well as the laser target indicator and the modern electronic warfare system.
    3. 0
      28 November 2013 06: 32
      Good afternoon (by Mig) - on "Strizhah" I talked with a technician serving 29, his words - "they changed the internal combustion engine for a bet in 45 minutes) - I doubt that any Western machine will allow such an attitude towards itself)))), and the quality of GDP -for Mig does not matter as much as for Western (LA) -Americans themselves say this-and the war is still not a battle in a flight simulator ... that's what I called the main and significant advantage of Mig over Western planes-everything else (performance characteristics and pr) -leveled by the preparedness of the pilots.
  5. +5
    27 November 2013 11: 45
    С
    good MiGs will never die
    it does not scare much, but the NEW will be?
    1. Heccrbq.3
      -1
      27 November 2013 13: 20
      In this country, with this System? There will be, 100 pieces all over the territory!
  6. mvg
    +7
    27 November 2013 13: 28
    These are the first 4 new MIGs for Russia. Prior to this, they did only for 24 India. Therefore, the last aircraft left the factories in the early 90gg. Not a single overhaul, only overhaul. And F-16s were constantly being made, block 52, block 60 for wealthy Araps. Radars, avionics, and rockets changed (5-6 modification of the sidewinder 9, almost every one is a new rocket). How many MIGs we have that can work on the ground with smart weapons, and the f-16 is a strike aircraft carrying 2 times the load. The MIG enterprise practically ate Poghosyan, only repairs, there were no new ideas, everyone ran away. Not for nothing, 35 never buy .. there will be deadlines, like the F-35. We’ll see what can change with the creation of the Sukhoi-MIG concern
    1. bolonenkov
      +1
      27 November 2013 21: 06
      Quote: mvg
      The MIG enterprise practically ate Poghosyan,

      Then how did it happen that deck fighters are MIGs, and not drying?
      Just a little, Poghosyan! If the design bureau missed its fifth generation aircraft, then what to take from them, they did the MiG-5KUB, God willing will slowly implement the 29th in the new concept and we will be happy, but for now

      BETTER THAN 30 DRYERS AT THE AERODROME THAN 100 MIGS IN PLANS
      1. bif
        +1
        27 November 2013 22: 31
        Quote: bolonenkov
        Then how did it happen that deck fighters are MIGs, and not drying?

        "A contract has been signed for the purchase of MiG-29K for the Russian Navy. According to the contract, it is determined in the period from 2013 to 2015 to build and supply to the Russian Navy 20 MiG-29K and four MiG-29KUB aircraft to replace the Su-33 and Su-25UTG. [20]
        As of 25.11.2013/2/29, the Russian Navy was assigned 2 MiG-29K and 21 MiG-29KUB [29]. The MiG-33K and MiG-25KUB fighters were included in the shipborne air regiment serving on the Admiral Kuznetsov, not instead of the Su-22 and Su-XNUMXUTG, but in addition to them, they will be used in conjunction with them [XNUMX] ...
        The Su-33s in use are in good condition and are expected to be mothballed. "Wiki
        Here is an interesting article about the situation with carrier-based aircraft in the Russian Federation. http://army-news.ru/2011/08/su-33-uletayut-s-admirala-kuznecova/
    2. bif
      +2
      27 November 2013 21: 57
      I agree, but not in everything.
      1.
      Quote: mvg
      these are the first 4 new MIGs for Russia. Prior to this, they did only for 24 India. Therefore, the last aircraft left the factories at the beginning of 90gg

      There were no orders from the devastated Russian Federation in 90's, so that the company did not die, so that the development and experience were kept fulfilled by export orders. Only the period between the MAX-2009 and MAX-2011 was sold to the 44 MiG-29 family of fighter aircraft (24 units to India and 20 - to Myanmar) ... everything is logical and reasonable.
      2. 4 new MiGs for the Russian Federation - don't forget THESE DECK versions, we don't have 10 AUGs yet ... the modest needs of the Kuzi air wing do not require dozens of new MiGs "right now and right here."
      3. If we talk about the "land" versions of the MiG-29, then this is a front-line fighter with a small radius, with a modest arsenal, etc. ... in the vast expanses of the Russian Federation and emergency reanimation of the Air Force, it is more pragmatic to purchase primarily heavy fighters with a large radius and a wide range of weapons.
      4.
      Quote: mvg
      5-6 modification of the sidewinder 9
      No need to pray for this "miracle" of this rocket for more than 70 years.
      5.
      Quote: mvg
      And F-16 was constantly being made, the 52 block, the 60 block for wealthy Araps.
      Quote: mvg
      How many MIGs we have that can work on the ground with smart weapons, and f-16 is a strike aircraft carrying 2 times the load

      F-16s were made constantly and even know how to use "smart weapons", but with such a budget for decades, this plane itself should already fly into space and shoot a laser from there. The F-16 never carried more than the MiG-29, all other things being equal, I recommend that you familiarize yourself better.
  7. typhoon7
    +3
    27 November 2013 17: 08
    Quote: mvg
    The MIG enterprise practically ate Poghosyan, only repairs, there were no new ideas, everyone ran away. Not for nothing, 35 never buy .. there will be deadlines, like the F-35. We’ll see what can change with the creation of the Sukhoi-MIG concern

    Unfortunately this is the case. Hopefully, what will happen like Zhvanetsky’s: ,, Doctors fought for his life for a very long time, but he still managed to survive ,,.
  8. nastran123
    +1
    27 November 2013 18: 01
    Good cars.
  9. +2
    27 November 2013 18: 34
    Currently, there is a demand for repair and modernization services of Soviet military equipment. Only this money, apparently, is not needed by anyone, because it still needs to be earned. It is much easier to get out of the budget (and then also steal it).
  10. 0
    27 November 2013 21: 37
    [quote = bolonenkov] [quote = mvg] The MIG enterprise practically ate Poghosyan, [/ quote]
    Then how did it happen that deck fighters are MIGs, and not drying?
    Just a little, Poghosyan! If a design bureau missed its fifth generation aircraft, then what should we get from them


    What does it mean to prosrail? If there are no orders how to develop the enterprise?
  11. typhoon7
    +2
    27 November 2013 23: 23
    Quote: bif
    3. If we talk about the "land" versions of the MiG-29, then this is a front-line fighter with a small radius, with a modest arsenal, etc. ... in the vast expanses of the Russian Federation and emergency reanimation of the Air Force, it is more pragmatic to purchase primarily heavy fighters with a large radius and a wide range of weapons.

    Sorry, what kind of MiG-29 are you talking about? MiG-35 with PTB has a flight range of 3000 km. plus refueling bar. The nomenclature of weapons is almost the same as that of the Su-35. Increased engine life, efficiency, 11 suspensions, 6500 kg of weapons. At the same time, it is 10 tons lighter and 10 lemons cheaper, it is cheaper and more profitable, and it is ready for production. Ships also have excellent features. On the MiG-29P account of narrow specialization, who said that they are not needed? Turn at least to the west, even to the east. From both of these directions more than ten thousand missiles and planes can fly, and in Russia only Moscow and Peter are covered. Just one comrade on top of a toad strangles, he does not tolerate competition.
  12. 0
    7 December 2013 05: 13
    sorry moa, to drive the KR fighters is not a little expensive? Yes, and not fashionable, now drones are held in high esteem, so alas, with all due respect, the pelvis is not needed, upgrade what you already have to train. you see what comes up.
  13. aircraft il-76
    0
    11 December 2013 20: 57
    Hooray! Russian MiGs will never die. Russia will make new MiG planes and finally Russia will make planes no worse than American ones. Hooray!

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