MiG-29 Sniper

...and finally, an upgrade for the Romanian MiG-29s

Following the great tradition of upgrading its older weaponry due to lack of funding to buy new one, the Romanian Armed Forces are finally launching a real program to upgrade the existing 18 MiG-29 Fulcrum aircraft.
After upgrading more than 70 (january 2000) MiG21bis fighters at the new Lancer III standard, the Romanian Air Force turns now to its most powerful and modern aircraft, which is also the newest aircraft in service in the Romanian Air Force (entered service between 1989 and 1990), the MiG29. Altough the name for this new updated version would have looked nice as designated SuperLancer, the new MiG29s are called Sniper. That's a nice name too.
Unfortunately, their upgrade won't be as astonishing as the MiG21's. The MiG21bis Lancer III is a wonder of the 90s technology (that is already a decace ago:)), and it has a new engine, a new radar, new navigation systems, even new pylons and new suit and helmet for the pilot, and also a new paint style. Actually, the only things that were left "intact" in the MiG21 Lancer from the old MiG21 Fishbed are the 30mm cannon and the fuselage itself, plus the landing gear. In the MiG29's case, the upgrading won't be such "from scrap", unfortunately. The MiG29 Sniper will keep the radar and the navigation systems from the old MiG29 Fulcrum, which is the biggest deficiency for the new Sniper. Also, the engines, cannon and landing gear will stay the same, just like the internal fuel tanks and the payload (in kg). The only new things in the Sniper will be the technology installed on the Lancer + the new Elbit DASH HMD Helmet and probably (i hope so) the new pylons, also available on the Lancer.
Read more about all these technologies on the MiG21 Lancer page where you can find information about all the new technology involved in upgrading Romania's fighters with at a standard even higher than the one of US' F-16s.

©2000 Sorin A Crâsmarelu

january 2000