The Russian government has offered Austria 30 RSK MiG-29MRCA fighters following Vienna's decision to review its €1.9 billion ($1.86 billion) order for Eurofighter Typhoons. Russia has a large debt with Austria, and the aircraft is being offered in lieu of repayments.
The offer includes 24 MiG-29M1 single seaters and six MiG-29M2 twin seaters.
During its fighter competition Austria rejected Russia's bid based on the less capable MiG-29SM. The MRCA variant is the latest MiG-29 standard with improved aerodynamics and a quadruplex digital flight control system.
The MiG-29s would be new-build airframes with all costs covered by Russia. "Aircraft-for-debt" offers have been made to several countries, but this is the first time Russia has offered to deliver aircraft with no payment.
Source: Flight International
