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A recent data breach reveals ongoing technical difficulties with the Zhuk-ME radar system on Indian Navy MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets, highlighting strains in the Russian-Indian defense partnership.
Published: October 10, 2024.Last Updated: October 10, 2024 at 00:03:20 UTC.
What Happened?
Internal Russian documents leaked by the hacker group Black Mirror detail persistent reliability issues with the Zhuk-ME radar system used on the indian Navy’s MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB carrier-based fighter jets. The documents, reportedly originating from sources linked to Rostec, Russia’s state defense conglomerate, outline years of discussions between Russian and Indian officials regarding the radar’s subpar performance.
The leaked report, titled “Report on the Reliability and Performance of the Zhuk-ME Radar in MiG-29K/KUB Aircraft of the Indian Navy,” indicates that the radar’s reliability consistently fell short of the standards stipulated in the 2004 procurement contract between India and Russia’s MiG Corporation. Specifically, the report details repeated component failures and unresolved contractual obligations.
Key Issues Detailed in the Leak
- Low reliability: The Zhuk-ME radar consistently failed to meet the reliability benchmarks outlined in the original contract.
- Component Failures: The report documents frequent failures of critical radar components, impacting operational readiness.
- Funding for Upgrades: The question of funding for necessary upgrades to address these issues ”remains open,” according to the leaked material.
- Delisting of Radar: By May 2019, the Indian Navy had formally removed the zhuk-ME radar from its Original Manufacturer Certificate, effectively delisting it as a certified component of its MiG-29K/KUB aircraft. Janes reported on this delisting, indicating a formal acknowledgement of the issues.
Background: The MiG-29K/KUB Procurement
India procured 45 MiG-29K/KUB aircraft from Russia, beginning in 2004, as part of a deal worth approximately $2 billion. These aircraft are crucial to the operational capabilities of India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The Zhuk-ME radar is a key component of these fighters, providing crucial air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Procurement Cost (approx.) | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiG-29K | 33 | $2 Billion (total for 45 aircraft) | Carrier-based air superiority |
| MiG-29KUB | 12 | $2 Billion (total for 45 aircraft) | Carrier-based training/two-seat variant |
