Israel to modernize 11 Ukrainian MiG-29 fighters at a cost of $440 million

[Kailash Kumar]

Israel to help Ukraine modernize MiG-29 fighters

August 30, 2019

Elbit Systems, an Israeli company that develops various types of weaponry, could help the Ukrainian Air Force to modernize eleven MiG-29 fighters, reports the Defense Industry Courier, citing a source in the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

According to the source, “the winged craft will receive fundamentally new capabilities and the latest weapons for airborne warfare”. He added that the upgrades could cost in the region of $440 million, at $40 million per fighter. However, the contract has not yet been signed, and negotiations are still underway, the source noted.

Elbit Systems worked with German specialists to modernize MiG-29s in Romania, but the program was unsuccessful and all planes of this type were removed from service.

http://uawire.org/israel-to-help-ukraine-modernize-mig-29-fighters

 

[TruthHurtz]

What's the point? Just buy new planes for the same price.

 

[GumNaam]

I wouldn't waste the money if I was the ukranians...the indian migs upgraded by the isrealis got shot down without even firing off a single shot...Pakistanis were nice enough to give a cup of fantashtik tea to the survivor but I do NOT think the russians would be as kind to the ukranians...

 

[Ali_Baba]

For $40million, you can get new planes !!!! Talk about not a good decision ..

 

[Philip the Arab]

For $40million, you can get new planes !!!! Talk about not a good decision ..

From who though? They could try Eurofighter but that will be more expensive.

 

[echo 1]

Hi, I mostly like to read others opinion but this time I thought I would add in my own. This is just my opinion so here it goes.
Russian might not like it, but would it be possible to buy Chinese aircraft ex. J-10, JH-7. Is it possible for them to go to Korea (FA-50) or even Japan for aircraft. Then customize/integrate the aircraft with Ukrainian systems and weapons. There is also possibility of joining a fighter program such as the Turkish
Some things they would have to consider for them may be
1)operating cost per aircraft
2)Russian/US as these jets use US parts and Russia may not be so keen on Ukraine getting aircrafts with US based parts.
3)Overall specs of aircraft.
4)Long term advantages such as TOT and technical know how.

 

[Ziggy1977]

since a new MiG29 cost about $22m per plane. I don't get this.

Ukraine uses both MiG29 & SU27.

if that being the case for $40m per they could buy some J11 ($30m per) from China or buy Poland's MiG29s (20M per), since they are going to the F16s.

That way they wouldn't have to waste time on training and parts with newer jet fighter platforms.