Russia to purchase Algeria's unwanted MiG-29s

The Russian air force is to take delivery of "about 10" of the 28 RSK MiG-29SMT fighters built for, but never delivered to, Algeria, and is also acquiring nine upgraded Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft.

The MiG-29s will join the air force's tactical training centre in Lipetsk. The Russian ministry of defence reportedly signed a Rb20 billion ($645 million) contract for all 28 MiG-29SMTs, but the air force will not take all of them immediately.

MiG says the "great majority" of the ex-Algerian MiGs are "100% ready for service", although several airframes are missing "easy-to-install" vendor items.