- Yes
- No
- BASIC DESCRIPTION -
MiG-29MU2 - Is a deep modernized variant of the existing MiG-29 airframes, developed by the LSARP (Lviv State Aviation Repair Plant) in cooperation with Radionix, KB Luch, Fazotron-Ukraina, and other defense enterprises. Unlike the earlier MiG-29MU1 which focused mainly on air-to-air capabilities and service life extension, the MU2 program was designed as the crucial second stage aimed at turning the Fulcrum into a true multirole fighter by integrating precision-guided air-to-surface munitions.
ㅤDevelopment and flight testing of the prototype (tail number “12 Blue”) began around 2019–2020. State trials were scheduled to wrap up in 2022, but the full-scale invasion disrupted serial production. Only one prototype was fully completed to the MU2 standard prior to the invasion. Surprisingly, “12 Blue” survived early Russian strikes on the Lviv facility and made high-profile appearances in 2022, actively operating in air defense and strike roles.
ㅤIn addition to natively integrating Soviet TV-guided weapons like the Kh-29T and KAB-500Kr, post-2022 wartime adaptations allowed Ukraine’s MiG-29 fleet to rapidly deploy Western precision-guided armaments such as the AGM-88 HARM, JDAM-ER, AASM-250 Hammer, and GBU-39/B SDB via custom cockpit tablet interfaces and specialized pylons. However, unlike with the MU1s, such modifications remain unconfirmed for the MU2 due to a lack of visual evidence.
Spoiler
ㅤThe MiG-29 is a legendary Soviet fighter jet developed in the 1970s and in service with the USSR since the 1980s. Produced en masse, it was and remains the backbone of the air forces of post-Soviet countries, including Ukraine, which inherited up to 240 of these aircraft in 1991.
ㅤThe original MiG-29 modernization plan formulated in the late 2000s by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense was intentionally divided into two separate phases due to severe budget constraints. Phase one (MiG-29MU1) focused on radar detection range improvements, basic navigation upgrades, and extending airframe/engine service life. However, it completely lacked precision ground-strike capabilities.
ㅤMore on MiG-29MU1 history in a separate suggestion:
ㅤㅤThe lessons learned during combat operations in the Donbas region starting in 2014 underscored the urgent need for tactical aircraft capable of delivering high-precision ground strikes from standoff ranges. This prompted LSARP and partner enterprises to accelerate development of the second stage: the MiG-29MU2.
ㅤWork on the MU2 variant gained significant momentum by 2018–2019. The upgrade introduced a revamped digital weapons control system, an upgraded N019 radar with integrated air-to-ground modes, a modern glass-cockpit element (multifunction displays), a new MCPU/WDSPU digital signal processing system, and an improved VOR/ILS/DME navigation and landing suite.
ㅤIn early 2020, photographs surfaced showing a Ukrainian MiG-29 armed with a Kh-29T TV-guided air-to-surface missile, followed later by tests with 500-kg KAB-500Kr TV-guided bombs. These test firings confirmed that the MU2 upgrade successfully enabled the Fulcrum to engage ground targets with pinpoint accuracy.
ㅤBy late 2021 and early 2022, LSARP reported that state flight trials for the MiG-29MU2 were reaching their final phase and were planned to conclude in 2022, paving the way for full operational adoption by the Ukrainian Air Force. However, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, during which missile strikes heavily damaged the main hangars at the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant.
ㅤDespite concerns that the sole completed prototype (“12 Blue”) was destroyed in the attack, the aircraft made a surprising appearance in official videos released for Ukraine’s Air Force Day in August 2022. It was seen fully armed for air defense missions, fighting alongside other MiG-29’s in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, proving that it had been safely dispersed before the strikes.
ㅤFurthermore, the urgent requirements of the full-scale war led to rapid field integrations of Western-supplied standoff munitions (AGM-88 HARM, GBU-62 JDAM-ER, AASM-250 Hammer, GBU-39/B SDB) across Ukraine’s operational MiG-29 fleet using commercial tablet computers and adapted smart pylons. However, unlike with the MU1s, such modifications remain unconfirmed for the MU2 due to a lack of visual evidence.
The principal features of the MiG-29MU2 upgrade are:
- Full air-to-ground capability with TV-guided precision weapons (Kh-29T, KAB-500Kr).
- Advanced N019 radar modification incorporating digital signal processors (WDSPU/MCPU) and operational “air-to-ground” modes.
- Enhanced glass cockpit layout featuring a new Multifunction Display (MFD) for TV-guided weapon video feeds and targeting interface.
- Upgraded navigation and landing avionics (VOR/ILS/DME, modern GPS/satellite navigation).
- Integration with Ukrainian-developed advanced air-to-air missiles and electronic warfare suites (Omut-KM).
Spoiler
Building on the radar modifications introduced in the MU1, the MiG-29MU2 integrates the full “Second Stage” modernization package engineered by Radionix and Fazotron-Ukraina:
" The upgrade version of N019 Airborne Radar will sufficiently improve the technical characteristics of the presented aicraft. By the replacement and modernization of the main functional units, an addition of the new radar modes (such as an air-to-surface mode) would be easily allowed. Considerable reliability enhancement of the radar system parts and its improved characteristics will increase N019’s radars life time up to 10 years. Thanks to such an alteration, additional prospects to further modernization are possible.
The first stage of the mentioned boost includes:
► High frequency receiver replacement with the upgraded version N019-09R1;
► Frequency synthesizer replacement with the N001-22R;
► Doppler filters and air target detection units replacement with the «MCPP».The new high frequency receiver modules and synthesizer installations will increase detection range (for about 25-30%) of air targets.
At this stage, it is also possible to apply for the transmission of phase-manipulated signals, which can be used in air-to-surface radar operation modes.
The change of Doppler filters and air target detection units delivers new qualities to the narrowband Doppler signal and measurement system. This replacement will advance not just target detection, but also a selection of reflected target signals from noise, clutter and jamming alarms.
Thus, while operating with both high and medium pulse repetition frequencies, certain enhancement might be achieved for standard N019 radar air-to-air modes.
Overall, the first step of renovations is supposed to improve:
► target acquisition characteristics;
► electronic counter-countermeasures;
► reliability indicators.At the second stage of the update, it is offered to build a completely new digital signal processing system, which would operate separately and include multi-channel wideband digital signal processor (WDSPU) and multifunction control processor (MCPU).
The complement of second stage radar system
► high speed data switch (DS);
► multi-channel wideband digital signal processor unit (contains the air target parameters estimation module and digital control synthesis aperture module);
► multifunctional control processor unit;
► multifunctional display unit (designed for the indication of all existing new radar modes and consist of TFT panel, video processor and the interface card).Besides the second stage of renovation, modernization of the other N019 radar units are granted:
► synchronization unit;
► antenna assembly.Such alterations make possible to actualize advanced radar qualities in air-to-air modes and give a possibility to add the air-to-ground modes.
The immediate result of the second stage modernization will contain:
► real time ground mapping mode;
► the synthesis aperture mode;
► guidance to several air-to-air missiles with different targets simultaneously;
► the possibility of addition to the MiG-29 weapon control system modern air-to-air and air-to-ground guided missiles: Kh-31А и R-77;
► further improvement of the tactical characteristics;
► acquisition range (δц = 3 м² ) up to 90 km and 50 km (rear semi-sphere);
► radar reliability enhancement – up to 40-50%…"
Detailed illustration of N019 radar modification, Source: Radionix website https://www.radionix.ae/radar-modernization
Key radar and avionics improvements on the MU2 include:
- Air-to-Ground Modes: Synthetic aperture / mapping capabilities and target tracking modes for surface operations.
- Bus Interface & MFD: A modern data bus connecting radar outputs, flight parameters, and weapon guidance feeds directly to new cockpit multifunction displays.
- Upgraded Navigation: Modernized VOR/ILS and DME landing/navigation equipment replacing legacy Soviet short-range navigation systems, allowing compliance with international and tactical flight standards.
Spoiler
MiG-29MU2 cockpitThe cockpit of the MiG-29MU2 underwent a noticeable overhaul to support modern navigation suites and precision-guided weapon controls:
- Removal of SN-3307-01 (СН-3307-01): The control panel and display unit of the earlier SN-3307-01 satellite navigation system were removed as unnecessary, having been superseded by the installation of the integrated Kurs-93M (Курс-93М) navigation equipment suite.
- Replacement of the Legacy IPV: The old Soviet-era IPV (tactical situation indicator) located in the upper-right of the main instrument panel beneath the HUD, was replaced with a compact liquid-crystal Multifunction Display (MFD) bordered by mode-selection bezel buttons, while I couldn’t find a source describing what exact MFD is used, from it’s visual appearance it looks to be Orizon-Navigacia’s SN-3307M (СН-3307М) display.
- TV Weapon Video Feed: The MFD is connected to the upgraded weapon control system suite (SOU-20PM / СОУ-20ПМ). Its primary role is rendering live analog optical/TV video feeds directly from TV-guided air-to-ground munitions (such as the Kh-29T missile and KAB-500Kr bomb), allowing the pilot to acquire, lock onto, and track ground targets directly from the cockpit.
- Multi-Data Capability: Beyond television seeker guidance, it can also display navigation maps, flight management data, and radar target information outputted via the updated data bus.
Key features of the MiG-29MU2 cockpit:
- Liquid-crystal Multifunction Display (MFD) replacing the old IPV indicator (Presumably SN-3307M)
- Integrated Kurs-93M (Курс-93М) navigation equipment suite (replacing SN-3307-01 components)
- Bezel buttons framing the MFD for mode switching and TV-guided weapon control
- Upgraded flight parameter recording systems
SN-3307M display unit (Replacing the old IPV)
Comparison between MU1 (left) and MU2 (right) cocpits
Spoiler
The MiG-29MU2 retains all air-to-air and unguided air-to-ground capabilities of the standard MiG-29 and MU1 variants while adding TV-guided precision munitions:
- Infrared & Radar air-to-air missiles: R-60M, R-73, R-27R1, R-27ER1, R-27T1, R-27ET1
- Modified R-27 series with Radionix improved seekers
- Unguided rockets (S-8KO, S-24B) and unguided bombs (OFAB-100-120, OFAB-250-270, FAB-500)
In addition to the above-mentioned weapons, it can carry several unique armaments, such as:
1. Kh-29T TV-Guided Missile:Spoiler
A heavy air-to-surface missile equipped with an optical TV homing seeker. The pilot uses the cockpit MFD to lock onto high-value ground targets (bridges, hardened bunkers, command posts) prior to launch.
- Weight: 680 kg
- Warhead: 320 kg high-explosive / armor-piercing
- Operational Range: Up to 10–12 km
2. KAB-500Kr TV-Guided Bomb:Spoiler
A 500-kg class electro-optical TV-guided bomb designed to engage stationary reinforced targets. Tested on the MU2 prototype during state trials in 2020.
- Weight: 520 kg
- Warhead: 380 kg (high-explosive / concrete-piercing)
- Drop Range: 15–17 km (depending on release altitude and speed)
3. UP-277 & “Gran” Air-to-Air Missiles (Mockups / In Development):Spoiler
Like the MU1, the MU2 was designed with the potential to integrate Ukraine’s prospective air-to-air missile developments from KB Luch:
- UP-277: Active radar homing medium-range missile (R-77 derivative).
Spoiler
UP-277 Mockup at “Weapons and Security - 2021” Exhibition.
The UP-277 is a medium-range air-to-air missile with an active radar homing seeker. It was developed by the Ukrainian state-owned Luch Design Bureau and was first shown at an exhibition in Kyiv from June 15 to 18, 2021, at “Weapons and Security 2021”. Based on the missile index and its design, the UP-277 appears to be derived from the first Soviet R-77 air-to-air missile with an active seeker, whose serial production took place at the Artem plant (Kyiv) from the late 1980s but was discontinued after the release of a pilot batch due to the collapse of the USSR.Specifications:
Name: UP-277 Carrier aircraft altitude 20 - 20,000 meters Target aircraft altitude 20 - 25,000 meters Carrier aircraft speed 400 - 2,500 km/h Maximum target aircraft speed 3,000 km/h Carrier to target speed ratio 0.8 - 2.0 Target overload 0 - 12 G Target position above (under) the aircraft 0 - 10,000 meters Targeting angles 0 - 55° Maximum launch range under attack conditions: • in the rear hemisphere 50 km • in the front hemisphere 80 km • in side angles 35 km Minimum launch range under attack conditions: • in the rear hemisphere 1.2 km • in the front hemisphere 4 km Weight 180 kg Warhead weight 20 kg
- Gran: Highly maneuverable short-range infrared homing missile with thrust-vectoring capability.
Spoiler
Gran Mockup at exhibitionThe Gran is a short-range air-to-air missile with an infrared homing seeker. Developed by the Luch State Design Bureau, only a mock-up has ever been shown to the public, and it is unknown whether the missile has entered the testing phase.
Specifications:
Name Gran Carrier aircraft altitude 20 - 20 000 meters Target aircraft altitude 20 - 20 000 meters Carrier aircraft speed 650 - 2 500 km/h Maximum target aircraft speed 2 700 km/h Carrier to target speed ratio 0.8 - 3.0 Target overload 0 - 12 G Target position above (under) the aircraft 0 - 5 000 meters Targeting angles ± 60° launch range under attack conditions: in the rear hemisphere 0,3 - 20 km launch range under attack conditions: in the front hemisphere 0,65 - 40 km launch range under attack conditions: in side angles 0,6 - 15 km Controlled flight time up to 25 seconds
4. “Omut-KM” Electronic Warfare Suite:Spoiler
The Omut-KM airborne ECM system provides individual protection against radar-guided air-to-air and surface-to-air threat radars. Mounted on underwing stations with sub-beam pylons, allowing R-73 missiles to be slung beneath the pods.
The system was tested on MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force; however, it did not enter serial production or operational service.
Specifications:
5. Post-2022 NATO armaments integration:Spoiler
Following the 2022 invasion, Ukrainian MiG-29s were adapted to deploy advanced NATO standoff munitions. However, unlike with the MU1s, such modifications remain unconfirmed for the MU2 due to a lack of visual evidence.
If new information appears confirming similar integration, the following weapons could be carried:
- AGM-88 HARM: Anti-radiation missile used for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) operations against surface-to-air radar emitters.
- GBU-62 JDAM-ER: Precision GPS/INS guided glide bomb with ranges up to 70+ km.
- AASM-250 Hammer: French rocket-assisted precision bomb for low-altitude standoff strikes.
- GBU-39/B SDB: Small Diameter Bomb carried on specialized multi-ejector smart pylons, allowing quadrupled precision bomb capacity per station.
For more information on how these weapons are integrated into MiG-29 platforms, you can read my previous MiG-29MU1 suggestion (in section MORE IN DETAIL > SUSPENDED ARMAMENTS (AFTER 2022)):
LSARP MiG-29MU1 — Phase One of Ukraine’s MiG-29 Modernization Program
General Info:
- Name: MiG-29MU2 (МіГ-29МУ2)
- Origin: USSR/Ukraine
- Manufacturer: Lviv State Aviation Repair Plant (LSARP)
- Year: 2019 (State trials 2019–2022)
- Class: Multirole Fighter
- Crew: 1
Dimensions:
- Wingspan: 11.36 m
- Length: 17.32 m
- Height: 4.73 m
- Wing area: 38.06 m²
- Weight
- Empty weight: 11,000 kg
- Max. Takeoff weight: 18,480 kg
Engine + Performance:
- Engine type: 2× Klimov RD-33 afterburning turbofan engine
- Thrust
- Max, Dry: 2× 49.42 kN
- Max, With afterburner: 2× 81.58 kN
- Maximum speed: 2450 km/h
- Cruising speed: 850 km/h
- Range: 1430 km (2100 km w/drop tank)
- Max. rate of climb: 330 m/s
- Srevice ceiling: 18,000 m
- Max. operating overload: +9G
Subsystems:
- Radar: N019 (Modified with Air-to-Ground modes & digital processing)
- Ballistic Computer: CCIP, EEGS, CCRP, and SPI
- Cockpit Displays: Color MFD
- HMD: ✓
- RWR: ✓
- Chaff/Flare dispensers: 2× BVP-30-26M (30 charges each)
Armaments:
-
Guns: 1× 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 (150 rounds)
-
Combat Load: 7 pylons (6 underwing, 1 underbelly), 3,090 kg max weight.
-
Suspended Armament:
-
Air-to-Air:
- R-73
- R-27R1 / R-27ER1
- R-27T1 / R-27ET1
-
Air-to-Air - Anti-Radiation:
- R-27P1 / R-27EP1
-
Air-to-Ground - Unguided:
- OFAB-100-120 bombs
- FAB-500 bombs
- OFAB-250-270 bombs
- S-8KO rockets
- S-24B rockets
-
Air-to-Ground - Guided:
- Kh-29T TV-guided missile
- KAB-500Kr TV-guided bomb
- GBU-62 JDAM-ER guided bomb (Unconfirmed)
- AASM-250 Hammer guided bomb (Unconfirmed)
- GBU-39/B SDB guided bombs (Unconfirmed)
-
Air-to-Ground - Anti-Radiation (2022-):
- AGM-88 HARM (Unconfirmed)
-
Other:
- Drop tank (1,520 liters)
- Omut-KM (Electronic Warfare Suite)
-
Potentially:
- UP-277 (Medium-Range Air-to-Air missile)
- Gran (Short-Range Air-to-Air missile)
-
-
Loadout possibilities (as they will look like in WT):
Image gallery:
Sources:
Spoiler
https://militarnyi.com/uk/news/u-2022-rotsi-lvivskyj-aviazavod-planuye-zavershyty-derzhvyprobuvannya-mig-29mu2/
https://www.twz.com/ukraines-uniquely-upgraded-mig-29-fulcrum-is-back
МИГ-29,МИГ-35 - Страница 7 - Hərbi portal
https://ukroboronprom.com.ua/media-centr/koncern-v-media/modernizaciya-vinishhuvaciv-mig-29-ta-aviasimulyatori-security-talks
В Україні тривають випробування МіГ-29 глибокої модернізації | АрміяInform
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/repair-and-modernization-of-mig-29-in-ukraine-which-imported-parts-have-already-been-substituted-the-list/
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/ukrainian-mig-29mu1-destroys-bridge-near-pokrovsk-with-high-precision-bomb-strike/
https://www.radionix.ae/radar-modernization
Керована ракета класу «повітря-повітря» ближнього повітряного бою
КБ "Луч" розробляє нове покоління авіаційних ракет малої та середньої дальності (фото) | Defense Express
Що може система "Омут" від "Радіонікс": деталі "битви РЕБ проти українських ЗРК" від директора компанії Станіслава Зав’ялова | Defense Express
Electronic self-defense system Omut-KM
Ukrainian Fighter Jets “Using iPads” To Control Western Weapons
https://www.twz.com/air/first-look-at-mystery-weapon-pylon-ukrainian-mig-29s-use-to-carry-small-diameter-bombs
СН-3307М