India was the first international customer of the MiG-29. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered over 50 MiG-29 in 1980, while the plane was still in its early stage of development. Since joining the IAF in 1985, the aircraft has undergone a series of modifications with the addition of new avionics, sub-systems, turbofan engines and radars. The updated version is known as India Baaz (Hindi Hawk) and forms a crucial component of the second line of attack of the fleet of the IAF after the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
The MiG-29 is a good operating record prompted India to sign an agreement with Russia in 2005-2006 to upgrade all of its MiG-29 U.S. $ 888 million. Under the agreement, the Indian MiGs were modified to be able to deploy the R-77RVV-AE (AA-12 'Adder') air-to-air missile, also known as the Amraamski. The missile had been successfully tested in October 1998 and joined the IAF MiG-29. IAF MiG Corporation has awarded another contract from the U.S. $ 900 million to upgrade all of its 69 MiG-29 operations. These improvements include a new avionics with radar N-109 is replaced by a Zhuk-M radar Phazatron. The aircraft is also equipped to improve out of sight extensive combat capability and aerial refueling-to-air to increase the resistance. In 2007, Russia also gave India, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a license to manufacture 120 RD-33 series 3 turbojet engines for the upgrade.
The update will also include a new arms control, ergonomic cabin, air-air missiles, high-precision air-ground missiles and bombs, "smart" air. The first six MiG-29 was upgraded in Russia, while the remaining 63 MiGs will be updated HAL facilities in India. India also won a contract for several million dollars to Israel Aircraft Industries to provide avionics subsystems and updating.
