India upgrades 'Bear' MPA fleet to serve beyond 2020

摘要

The Indian Navy (IN) has taken back into service the first of its upgraded Tupolev Tu-142ME 'Bear-F' long-range maritime patrol aircraft (MPA)/anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft from Russian defence contractor Beriev Aircraft Company. The aircraft (tail number 312) was handed over to the IN on 5 December. The upgraded platforms are to be designated Tu-142MSDs. Beriev did not say how man) aircraft it will be upgrading, bt India received eight Tu-142M1 aircraft in 1988, of which four are still believed to be operational. Jane's understands that the upgrade involves the fitting of new NK-12 turboprop engines, the Novella/Sea Dragon mission suite optimised for ASW duties and a structural upgrade designed to extend the aircraft's service life. It is thought that the improved variant will be armed with eight air-launched Kh-35E anti-ship missiles.