The Indian Navy on Friday formally took delivery of Russian-made MiG-29K fighters, which will eventually be deployed on an aircraft carrier being refitted in Russia.

Defense Minister A K Antony said the entry into service of the MiG-29K carrier fighters marked a "milestone" for the Indian Navy.

"The induction of MiG-29K fighters into the naval inventory fulfills a long standing requirement of our Navy," Antony said.

The ceremony, held at the Hansa airbase, was attended by top Indian military officials, including Antony and Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Nirmal Verma, and a Russian delegation led by Industry and Trade Minister Viktor Khristenko.

Russia and India signed a contract in 2004 for the delivery of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB fighters to be deployed on the Admiral Gorshkov, currently being retrofitted in Russia for the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy is planning to use a total of 45 MiG-29Ks, including the 16 stipulated under the 2004 contract with Russia.

HANSA (India), February 19 (RIA Novosti)