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Line 1: − + + + − The MiG-29 program was begun in 1984 as a equivalent to the new Western [[F-18]] and [[F-15]].+ + + + +
Refs, Brothers to the Rescue incident (more to come)
The '''MiG-29''', known to Western operators as the "Fulcrum," is a Soviet-built air superiority fighter. It is a widely exported aircraft, used by more than 20 countries, among whom are [[Iraq]], [[Iran]], [[North Korea]], and [[Cuba]]. At shorter ranges, it is equal to the [[F-15]], but at ranges of eight miles or more, the F-15 and [[F-18]] are superior.
The '''MiG-29''', known to Western operators as the "Fulcrum," is a Soviet-built air superiority fighter. It is a widely exported aircraft, used by more than 20 countries, among whom are [[Iraq]], [[Iran]], [[North Korea]], and [[Cuba]].<ref>[http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avmig29.html Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum]</ref> At shorter ranges, it is equal to the [[F-15]], but at ranges of eight miles or more, the F-15 and [[F-18]] are superior.
[[Image:MiG-29 flight.jpg|right|thumb|400 px|A "Fulcrum" in flight.]]
[[Image:MiG-29 flight.jpg|right|thumb|400 px|A "Fulcrum" in flight.]]
The MiG-29 was designed to meet a 1972 requirement for a maneuverable, high-tech fighter to replace the [[MiG-21]] and MiG-23. The first prototype flew in 1977, and the Fulcrum entered operational service in the mid-80s.<ref>''The Vital Guide to Military Aircraft'', ed. by Sophearith Moeng, Airlife Publishing, 1994</ref>
The [[Department of Defense]] acquired 21 "Fulcrums" from [[Moldova]] after learning that Iran had inspected the aircraft and were attempting to purchase them. Fourteen of the aircraft were the advanced "C" version, which carry a radar jammer.
The [[Department of Defense]] acquired 21 "Fulcrums" from [[Moldova]] after learning that Iran had inspected the aircraft and were attempting to purchase them. Fourteen of the aircraft were the advanced "C" version, which carry a radar jammer.
On February 24, 1996, a Cuban Air Force MiG-29 shot down two unarmed Cessna prop planes over international waters. The Cessnas were flown by members of Brothers to the Rescue, an anti-[[Castro]] activist organization. All four pilots were killed, and the Cuban government was widely condemned for the incident.<ref>[http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/cases/86-99.html University of Minnesota Human Rights Library]</ref><ref>[http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/judiciary/hju63608.000/hju63608_0.htm Shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue Planes]</ref>
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft]]
[[Category:Russia]]