One of Serbia's four MiG-29s. (Photo : Serbian Air Force and Air Defense )
Serbia, one of Russia's only two allies in Eastern Europe and a reluctant one at that, is set to receive 14 used Mikoyan MiG-29 air superiority fighters: six from Russia and eight from Belarus, Russia's lapdog and only real European ally.
Belarus, which has been oppressed with an iron fist by dictator Alexander Lukashenko since 1994, will donate the eight MiG-29s and will also donate two BUK missile systems, as well. Lukashenko is reviled as Europe's last dictator and is a close friend of Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin.
The MiG-29s will soon be handed over to Serbia, which is hemmed in on all sides by NATO member countries or countries sympathetic to NATO. The Serbian Air Force and Air Defense operates only four MiG-29s.
To Serbia's north and west are NATO member states Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Croatia. To its southwest is Montenegro, which will soon become a NATO member state. To its east and southeast are Romania and Bulgaria, both of which are also NATO member states.
The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia also said Russia will send experts to upgrade the old jets, which are mothballed as part of the reserve force of the Russian Aerospace Forces. It said the jets will be delivered "soon."
"The MiGs will be equipped with the most modern arms, radars, optical and communication systems," said the ministry. It earlier said the arrival and modernization of the Russian jets will "significantly enhance the capabilities of (Serbia's) air force."
It also revealed it has begun training and retraining pilots and technicians. The trainging will continue throughout this year since the air force currently lacks the pilots to fly the jets and the ground crews to maintain them.
The MiG-29 (NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) is capable of reaching speeds of up to 2,200 km/h and covering a distance of up to 1,500 km. All MiG-29s are armed with 30 mm cannons, guided missiles and smart bombs.
