It looks like Poland is about to upgrade its fleet of Mig-29s, again.
In an interview for Interfax-AWN agency, Sergey Maxin, the CEO of Schwabe Co. (earlier named Optical systems and technologies) said that the company will supply spare parts and equipment for the Polish Air Force Fulcrums.
The transaction allegedly took place during the MAKS 2013 show in Moscow, as defence24.pl reports.
Poland did cooperate with Schwabe Co. earlier, getting spare parts for 32 Fulcrums operating with the Polish Air Force.
The Schwabe Co. produces optoelectronic equipment for military purposes. It is highly probable that the contract deals with the IRST spare parts for the Polish Fulcrums.
Polish Fulcrums constitute the second largest fighter group in the Air Force (32 airplanes) after the F-16’s (48 fighters).
Regarding the IRST – Infra Red Search and Track, the sensor works like a radar but in a passive mode thus without emitting electromagnetic radiations; it detects the heat of the different targets offering a stealthy capability that enhances the overall survaivability of the aircraft. It is mounted in front of the cockpit and is a characteristic feature of the Fulcrum and Flanker planes; both Soviet 4th generation milestone designs – Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 had this system mounted on, unlike their Western counterparts – the F-16 and F-15.
Jacek Siminski for The Aviationist
Image: Mig-29SMT (Tony Lovelock)
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