Friday, May 20 2005 09:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Moscow: Russian Air Force has resumed the flights of its MiG-29 fighters, which were grounded after a similar aircraft crashed last week at an airbase in neighbouring Tver region.

"The decision to resume the flights (of MiG-29) was taken by the Air Chief, Army-General Vladimir Mikhailov after the analysis of data from the means of objective control (flight-recorder) of the crashed MiG-29," Russian Air Force spokesman, Colonel Alexander Drobyshevsky, was quoted as saying by Interfax.

The decision to ground the MiG-29 fighter fleet did not have any adverse effect on the combat readiness of the Air Force as all the crews were on duty and could accomplish any task assigned to them in case of need, according to Colonel Drobyshevsky.

A MiG-29 fighter on a routine flight had crashed near Andreapol airbase in neighbouring Tver region, while approaching for landing.

Human error and technical malfunctioning were identified as the initial causes of the crash. However, a final report would be available only in a month's time.

MiG-29 (NATO name - Fulcrum) is one of the most sophisticated fighters and during Cold War it was supplied to ex-Soviet Union's select allies and friends, including India.

Russia is bidding for the supply of an advanced version for MiG-29MRCA (multi-role combat aircraft) under the IAF's quest for 126 fighters.