BANGALORE (India), 3 Feb-RIA Novosti. The Government of India has decided to purchase 21 MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia, Vladimir Drozhzhov, Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation, told reporters during the Aero India-2021 exhibition.
"The offer for the supply of 21 MiG-29 aircraft has been transferred to the Indian side. The Government of the Republic of India has decided to purchase these aircraft. We are waiting for the decision of the Indian Air Force headquarters to conduct the relevant tender procedures, " he said.
Drozhzhov suggested that the delay in concluding contracts for this aircraft is primarily due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Until recently, the lack of regular flights between the two countries made it much more difficult to conduct contract negotiations. Nevertheless, the negotiation process is underway, " he said.
Earlier, the Indian Defense Ministry said that the country's defense procurement council approved the purchase of 21 MiG-29s from Russia and the modernization of 59 such fighters available in the country's Air Force for more than $ 984 million.
