Synopsis
The MiG-29: Russia’s Legendary Air Superiority, and Multirole Fighter, 1977 to the Present, published in 2018 by Schiffer Military History, is an authoritative and highly technical monograph written by aviation expert Andy Gröning. Drawing from his unique background as a former professional soldier in the German Bundeswehr—where he spent six years working directly as a MiG-29 engine mechanic—Gröning provides an insider's look into the mechanics, history, and operational deployment of this iconic aircraft. The book charts the jet's journey from its first conceptual designs in the late 1970s through its entry into Soviet service in 1982, positioning it as the Eastern Bloc’s direct response to advanced American fourth-generation fighters like the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The core of the book moves beyond simple broad-strokes history to dive deeply into the engineering marvels and technical specifications that initially caught Western intelligence agencies off guard. Because of Gröning’s firsthand maintenance experience, the text is uniquely rich with intimate, granular details regarding the fighter's technical systems, subsystems, radar suites, and specific armaments. Accompanied by 260 color photographs and detailed data tables, the narrative systematically breaks down the design philosophy behind the MiG-29's legendary thrust-to-weight ratio and its exceptional maneuverability, while honestly evaluating both the advantages and mechanical limitations of the platform.
In addition to documenting the original design, Gröning explores the vast global footprint of the aircraft by dedicating a significant portion of the book to its many export variants. The author outlines how the MiG-29 became a staple of international air forces, examining its deployment and distinct paint schemes across a multitude of nations including Poland, India, Ukraine, Algeria, Cuba, and North Korea. The book concludes by tracking the modern evolution of the airframe, showcasing how the foundational 1977 design has transitioned from a specialized, short-range air superiority fighter into a versatile, modern multirole platform, ultimately culminating in the advanced MiG-35 variants still relevant today.