[Credits to AnderWorks for the base Aircraft, ShinyGemsBro and TRD6932 for the screenshots]

The Mikoyan MiG-29OP (OP stands for Ostrova Rayt; NATO Reporting Name: Fulcrum-R) is a twin-engine fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union license built by Armera Defense Aviation with NATO Grade avionics built for the Wright Isles Air Force for export around the Federation of Atlantic Island Nations. Developed by the Mikoyan design bureau as an air superiority fighter during the 1970s, the MiG-29, along with the larger Sukhoi Su-27, is used and locally built for the WIAF and for the FAIN for their Air Forces and serves with the American made General Dynamics F-16 and the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle.

Origins

Initial Purchase

The first aircraft were purchased in February 29, 1984, the purchase is accompanied with 45 L-39 Albatrosses and more than a thousand units of AKM rifles. 2 Months after the purchase, the Wright was given a license to locally produce the aircraft to be exported to the 3 main islands of the FAIN and to other nations seeking to replace their older Third Generation Fighters with cheap, multirole aircraft capable to fulfill older Third Gen. Aircraft.

Introduction

The first unit to use the MiG-29OP is the 56th Fighter Unit of the Wright Isles Air Force replacing the older and faster F-4E Phantom IIs in service. IOC was declared in January 8, 1985 and was deployed at FAIN airbases at Krakabloa and Maywar.

Service History

Krakabloan Civil War

WIAF MiG-29s operating from Wright conducted rocket attacks against communist and Islamist insurgents during the civil war. One was reported shot down by Islamist Igla MANPADS system over southern Krakabloa. Overall WIAF MiG-29s conducted 569 Sorties with 2 being lost to enemy fire and 5 lost in accidents and pilot error.

1989 Philippine Coup d’état

4 MiG-29OPs based at Clark Airbase buzzed RAM troopers near the Embassy of the Wright Isles carrying 4 rocket pods should they attack the Embassy. During the third day of the coup, on December 5th, 3 MiG-29OPs conducted rocket attacks to support Philippine troopers on the ground. An estimated 9 RAM troopers were killed during the rocket attacks. 2 Hours later on the exact same day, a MiG-29OP shot down a rebel T-28 using an AIM-9L Sidewinder. Another was shot down using an AIM-7 Sparrow MRM. After the coup, the Fulcrum pilots were awarded by the Philippine government with medals.

An NGAS MiG-29OP parked at Wright Airbase

1993 Maywarian Coup d’état

During the 1993 coup a Maywar, MiG-29OPs played a crucial role to end the 4 day coup. On June 1st, WIAF MiG-29s conducted a rocket run against rebel T-55s and 4 were confirmed destroyed. On the 3rd day, one rebel L-39 Albatross was shot down using an AIM-120 over Pharaoh City.

A WIAF MiG-29 flying over TFNS Redemption, 2 WIN destroyers, Intrepid and Dido are escorting the carrier

Maywarian civil war

During the Civil War until the end, MiG-29s were the primary fighter of the WIAF conducting ground attacks on Islamist insurgents and airspace security over airbases.

An NGAS MiG-29 over Maywar with the Tactical Forces’ GOSAMS or the “Space Triangle in the background

2nd TFM-Darkcorp conflict

In the opening days of the war, MiG-29s contributed in downing of 76 hostile bomber including 12 Darkcorp Tu-22 Backfires.
45 are lost in enemy action over the skies of Europe.
34 were lost during the June 9th attempted invasion from enemy action and 78 are lost at the ground.
24 MiG-29OPs are currently stationed at Kanshang Air Base at Taiwan to bolster the ROCAF’s air defense against Chinese aircraft.

Exports

Krakabloa

To replace their older fleet of F-5 Tigers and F-4 Phantoms, the Krakabloan Air Force purchased 43 units in 1993. Deliveries started in 1995 and the last aircraft was delivered in 1996. One MiG-29 was lost due to a collision with a Krakabloan Air Force F-5E Tiger, pilots of the 2 aircraft survived. During the 2nd TFM-Darkcorp conflict, MiG-29s are credited with killing over 56 Enemy Aircraft. 23 are lost to enemy fire.

Maywar

The Maywarian Air Force ordered 10 MiG-29OPs in 1991 to replace older MiG-17s, MiG-19s, MiG-21s, F-7s and MiG-23s. Another 23 were ordered in 1993 and were cancelled during the coup. The 23 were delivered to the 10th Fighter Wing of the WIAF. Another 20 were ordered and were delivered in 1996. 12 were destroyed on the ground by al-Nusra insurgents during the opening phase of the civil war. Overall the Maywarian Air Force has at least 18 in service.

Israel

The Israeli Air Force purchased 5 aircraft to be evaluated. All 5 were returned in 2001.

United States

The United States Air Force ordered 55 MiG-29s on January 8, 1986 to be used as aggressor aircraft. The United States Navy and Marine Corps ordered 45 aircraft on January 17, 1986.

Incidents

According to the Wright Aerospace Safety Commission, at least 4 were lost in accidents.

Users:
Wright Isles:
5th Fighter Wing
26th Fighter Group
56th Fighter Unit
78th Fighter Group
Krakabloa:
28th Fighter Force
Maywar:
3rd Interceptor Squadron
Israel:
Evaluation only user.
United States of America:
United States Air Force
United States Navy
United States Marine Corps

Potential Users:
Argentina:
The Argentine Air Force is interested in purchasing the MiG-29OP and the Su-30MWI
Philippines:
Became a contender to serve alongside with the FA-50PH.

Controls are at the original craft.