The Indian Navy has moved to enhance the operational availability of its MiG-29K fleet by opening the NASK 1-29K Ground Automated Test System to private sector participation through a Request for Information issued on April 11, 2026. This initiative falls under Project 45A, which focuses on indigenizing critical maintenance infrastructure and resolving persistent serviceability issues linked to the fleet.
The NASK 1-29K serves as a vital ground-based diagnostic platform, replacing outdated Russian-origin systems that have contributed to low aircraft availability. Functioning as a mobile automated testing facility, it performs detailed health assessments of the aircraft before flight clearance. The system evaluates key subsystems using Scheduled Maintenance Task Cards, including avionics and fly-by-wire controls, where parameters such as latency, signal integrity, and fault tolerance are rigorously tested—especially crucial for carrier operations.
It also inspects fuel and air data systems vulnerable to maritime corrosion, validating sensors and regulators to prevent performance degradation. Additionally, the system monitors the aircraft’s electrical network to ensure stable power supply, a critical requirement as upgrades like the Uttam AESA radar are introduced.
A major capability of NASK lies in validating weapons and radar integration. It simulates weapon release sequences to ensure compatibility with systems such as the Astra Mk1 missile and future platforms like the BrahMos-NG. With the transition to AESA radar technology, the system will also handle calibration of transmit/receive modules, ensuring precise synchronization.
The April 2026 RFI further defines a dual-architecture approach, with NASK units deployed at shore facilities like INS Hansa for deep maintenance, while the KSAK 1-29K system will operate aboard carriers such as INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya for rapid diagnostics. This division ensures continuous support from overhaul stages to immediate mission readiness.
