Indian and Russian MiG-29KUBs aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov. The Indian Navy and Russian Navy will be the two operators of the MiG-29K. RAC MiG developed the carrier-capable MiG very slowly, and mainly with company funds, until the Indian Navy entered the picture. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo Two MiG-29KUBs aboard the Vikramaditya. India currently operates 21 MiG-29Ks, with 29 more planes scheduled to enter service before 2015. The Indian Navy's procurement of the MiGs meant Russia could procure their own while India covered the development costs. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo MiG-29Ks and MiG-29KUBs have undergone carrier testing aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov and the Vikramaditya. One of the reasons India preferred the MiG-29K over the carrier-capable Sukhoi Su-33 was the MiG's smaller size, which would allow Vikramaditya to carry a larger air group. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo An Indian Navy MiG-29KUB performs a touch-and-go landing aboard the Vikramaditya. The MiG-29KUB is the combat-capable two-seat trainer variant of the MiG-29K. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A MiG-29KUB performing a touch-and-go landing on the Vikramaditya. The two-seat KUB has essentially the same combat capabilities as the MiG-29K, albeit with a penalty in fuel load where the second seat takes up space. Much of the increased fuel load for the MiG-29K is carried in the dorsal spine. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo An Indian Navy MiG-29KUB performs a touch-and-go landing aboard the Vikramaditya. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A MiG-29KUB is towed into position on the Vikramaditya. The MiG-29K carries a GSh-301 30mm cannon in the port wing root. It can carry a variety of guided freefall bombs as well as a range of air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo The General Director of the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, Sergey Sergeevich Korotkov, rides in a MiG from the Vikramaditya. The Vikramaditya has been testing Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft for the Indian and Russian navies. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A MiG-29KUB fighter takes a wave off from the Vikramaditya. In November 2012, sea trials with Indian Navy MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighters were undertaken. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A Russian MiG-29KUB during carrier testing on the Admiral Kuznetsov. The first ever carrier landing of a MiG-29K took place aboard the carrier Tbilisi, later renamed Admiral Kuznetsov, on Nov. 1, 1989. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A Russian MiG-29KUB touches down on the Admiral Kuznetsov. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A Russian MiG-29KUB during testing aboard the Vikramaditya. The Vikramaditya will be capable of handling 24 MiG-29Ks and MiG-29KUBs. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo To make the MiG-29K carrier-capable, folding wings and an arresting hook were added, and the airframe and landing gear were strengthened. The twin-wheel nose gear can pivot through 90 degrees for deck handling. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A MiG-29KUB taxis on the Admiral Kuznetsov. The Russian Defense Ministry has ordered 20 MiG-29Ks and four MiG-29KUBs to replace the aging Su-33s that previously operated aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A MiG-29KUB on its take off run aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov. The dotted line is a steering aid for the pilot, upon which he aligns his aircraft's nose. The beginning of the ski-jump is visible on the far right. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A MiG-29KUB comes in for a landing aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A Russian MiG-29KUB lands aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov. The Admiral Kuznetsov and Vikramaditya operate a short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) system that requires arresting gear for landing. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo The Russian Navy started receiving deliveries of MiG-29Ks in 2010. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A MiG-29KUB moves into takeoff position on the Admiral Kuznetsov. To be launched by the short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) system, the MiG-29K must use its own power and requires an assist via the ski-jump at the front of the carrier. This system is effective, but reduces the amount of load the MiG-29K can carry. Note the hold-back fittings on the main landing gear. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo A MiG-29KUB takes off from the ski-jump of the Vikramaditya. Unlike U.S. Navy practice, the Kuznetsov, Vikramaditya, and Chinese Liaoning employ short take off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) for the aircraft they operate. The take off run requires between 410 and 640 feet of deck. Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG photo