The Serbian Air Force and Air Defense have encountered a problem with the supply of spare parts for the Soviet multirole fourth-generation MiG-29 fighter (NATO classification — Fulcrum, "point of support"). The Balkan country is looking for alternative component suppliers, writes Bulgarian Military.
Serbia depends on the supply of various systems and components for MiG-29 fighters, T-72 tanks, and Pantsir SAM systems. However, the country can no longer rely on Russia.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, Milan Moysilovich, stated that the situation on the arms market forces them to look for new ways to purchase the necessary components.
Cooperation with Israel or Belarus?
The most obvious option is cooperation with Israeli companies, which have been modernizing the MiG-29 for various countries, including India and Ethiopia, for many years.
According to the author of Bulgarian Military, Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems are modernizing the avionics and engines of the MiG-29, as well as equipping the fighter with new weapon control systems. This increases the combat capabilities of the aircraft.
Another option that Serbia could consider is cooperation with Belarus. This country also offers MiG-29 modernization services. In addition, Belarusian enterprises are located closer to Serbia, which solves the problem with logistics.
About the MiG-29 Fleet in the Serbian Air Force and Air Defense
The Serbian Air Force and Air Defense are armed with 14 MiG-29 fighters. These aircraft were assembled in the 1980s in the USSR. They were modernized in 2009 and 2017 with the assistance of Russian and Belarusian specialists.
The aircraft are equipped with Russian onboard radio-electronic equipment, including the N019 radar station and weapon guidance system, as well as modern communication and navigation systems.
The MiG-29 flies at altitudes of up to 18,000 meters and reaches speeds of up to 2,400 km/h. They are armed with two 30 mm cannons, as well as air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
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