50 MiG-29SMTs for Algeria?

Algiers Intends to Buy 50 MiG-29 Fighters from Russia

The government of Algiers has adopted a decision to obtain 50 MiG-29 Russian produced airplanes, diplomatic sources have reported.

The cost of the deal is estimated at 1.5 billion dollars. These airplanes will replace aging airplanes which were bought from the USSR.

A source in the Russian defense industrial complex has confirmed that such a deal really is being prepared. ?All pre-contract work already has taken place, the documents will be signed in the very near future,? the source said.

He reported that the MiG-29 will be delivered to Algiers in the MiG-29SMT multirole fighter variant, which is capable of equally carrying out combat successfully both with aerial and with ground and surface targets. The Zhuk-MEh radar, which provides operation in a ground mapping mode, is installed on the fighter. The range of guided and unguided munitions being used has broadened essentially.

Source: 31.05.05, Nezavisimaya Gazeta

Source to be trusted? I was still hoping for MiG-29M1/M2.