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World Defense & Security News - Syria
 
 
Syrian MiG-29 fighter jets performing combat missions with Russian made R-77 missiles
 
Syrian Air Force Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) fighter jets are performing sorties with medium-range air-to-air missiles of the R-77 (AA-12 Adder) family. Syrian Radio & TV Agency has broadcasted a video showing the attaching of an air-launched weapon of this type to a MiG-29 plane.
     
Syrian MiG 29 fighter jets performing combat missions with Russian made R 77 missiles 640 001A Vympel NPO R-77 medium range air-to-air missile
(Credit: Allocer)
     
The video shows a R-77-family missile (most probably, an export version of the missile, i.e. RVV-SD) being carried by an under-wing AKU-170E ejection unit of a MiG-29 plane.

The video has confirmed media reports that Russia repaired and upgraded several Syrian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jets.

According to data of public sources, the fighter jets have received an advanced avionics suite, which has allowed R-77 family missiles and KAB-500 guided air bombs to enter the planes’ weapon suite.

According to experts, the upgrade work has allowed Syrian MiG-29 fighter jets to come close to Russian MiG-29SMT planes in terms of their operational characteristics.

According to data for 2016 of the US Military Balance journal, Syria’s Air Force operates 30 MiG-29A and MiG-29SM fighter jets and MiG-29UB combat trainers.
     
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