A First Look at Algeria’s New MiG-29M Fighters: What Are They Capable Of?

The first delivery of MiG-29M fighters to the Algerian Air Force has been confirmed, with the advanced medium weight combat jets reportedly shipped unassembled and subsequently built in Africa’s largest country. The fighters are thought to have been ordered a the MAKS 2019 air show, and have begun deliveries quickly with an estimated 14 jets on order. It remains uncertain whether the aircraft are intended to replace older MiG-29 variants in service, or whether they are instead to form a new unit as part of a fleet expansion program. The MiG-29M is the most capable variant of the MiG-29 design to enter service, and is also operated by the Egyptian Air Force and in small numbers by the Russian Air Force. The aircraft represents an extensive modernisation of the most advanced medium weight fighter of the Cold War era, the MiG-29A, and unlike other modernised variants such as the MiG-29SMT recently delivered to Syria or the MiG-29UPG on order from India, they use new airframes with advanced composite materials and a distinctively different appearance. 

The MiG-29M is designed with a heavy emphasis on beyond visual range combat, and is usually seen equipped with Kh-35 cruise missiles and R-77 active radar guided air to air missiles. The aircraft have a far superior range relative to older MiG-29 variants, while the new materials used to construct the airframe are stronger and lighter. The fighters also use new RD-33MK engines which have 7% more thrust than the engines of older MiGs, which combined with a lighter airframe more than compensates for the added weight of carrying more fuel internally. The fighters’ electronic warfare systems and sensors are all state of the art, with the Zhuk-ME radar providing a high degree of situational awareness for an aircraft of its weight, while the cockpit benefits from new helmet mounted displays as part of a HOTAS system. The MiG-29M also has a highly capable twin seat variant, the MiG-29M2, which is expected to be received as part of the order. Unlike older twin seat variants of the MiG-29s, the MiG-29M2 does not make compromises to sensor suite to accommodate an extra crew member, and is designed for high end combat rather than exclusively for training. 

The Algerian decision to purchase MiG-29M fighters was likely made after consultations with Egypt, which has operated the class in large numbers for almost five years and is reported by local media to be highly satisfied with its performance. The acquisition is not thought to be costly, with the fighter being among the cheapest on offer from Russia, and their operational costs being lower than the older MiG-29 variants already in Algerian service. The possibility remains that, should Algeria be acquiring the jets to replace older MiG-29s, the older jets could be placed in reserve or sold on to Russia - which has offered to purchase second hand MiG-29s from clients for its newer fighters in the past. Much more significantly than the new MiGs, however, the Algerian Air Force is also reportedly set to receive Su-57 next generation heavyweight fighters from Russia, which will replace its elite MiG-25 Foxhound interceptors in frontline service. Although the MiG-29 serves as Egypt's most capable and heaviest fighter, it is the lightest and cheapest in Algerian service and complements three classes of heavier and overall more powerful jets including the MiG-25, Su-30MKA, and Su-24M.