MiG-29SMT, what is it all about ?

Russian Air Force MiG-29SMT.

The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a twin engine fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union. It entered operational service in the 80s the as a short range lightweight air superiority fighter, complementing the heavier and longer range Sukhoi Su-27. Both the Su-27 and the MiG-29 were developed to counter new U.S. fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and the lighter single engine General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The SMT is an upgrade package meant for the first-generation MiG-29s (the original single-seat fighter) containing many enhancements intended for the MiG-29M (Proposed multirole variant that did not enter operational service). Additional fuel tanks in a further enlarged spine (gives the characteristic hump) provide a significant increase in flight range. It also features a more advanced avionics suite. The upgrade package comes with the upgraded Zhuk-ME Mechanically Scanned Array Radar. In addition, it also comes with a pair of upgraded Klimov RD-33 engines, which offers improved performance. Compared to the original MiG-29 variants, the SMT is capable of carrying a wider variety of weapons which includes smart munitions such as laser guided-bombs and various other guided missiles. Open architecture is also possible with the MiG-29SMT. In simple terms, non-Russian avionics can be added into the aircraft's avionics suite. The MiG-29UPG of the Indian Air Force, for instance, incorporates the SMT package as well significant amounts of domestic and Israeli avionics.

Indian Air Force MiG-29UPG.