Indian Mig-29SMTK dropped?

Reading the new International Air Power Review Journal Vol.3 and the article on the ‘New Fulcrum family’ which describes the four new versions to be offered as new builds, they are;

The Mig-29K, but not the old alu-lithi ‘K’. The new one will be built from standard materials (due to engineering problems) as well as modifications in avionics (inc. Zhuk-M radar) and a longer wing-fold as well, and the article then says that this one is the one the Russians are working on for the Indians. Could this be the so called Mig-29K-2002? Although there was no mention of this designation.

The Specs I have found online for the Mig-29K-2002 match those in the article.

Specs;

MiG-29K-2002 (9.41): Current Indian proposal, might also be designated MiG-29MTK. Kh-31A, Kh-35, TV guided weapons, laser designation pod for laser guided weapons, Zhuk-M radar. Width with wings folded is 5.8 metres, length with radome folded 14.13 m. Internal fuel 5100 kg, cruise range 1210 nm.

The second ‘K’ is in development, and will be the Mig-29KUB with full radar installation and combat capability. The added internal fuel load (over and above the original ‘K’) is apparently due to the use of advanved compact avionics inlcuding in no small part a digital FBW FCS.

The others are revitalized ‘M’ variants. The single seat Mig-29M1 and the twin seat M2, both (as well as the new ‘K’ models) will have RD-33 series 3 engines fitted which are the same ones fitted to the Malasyian Mig-29Ns. 2,000 hour life span estimated. The Mig-29M2 is on offer to Malaysia for its MRCA requirement.

So, has the Mig-29SMTK proposal been dropped, and the modified standard ‘K’ now become the Indian proposal? The fact that Mig are developing a ‘KUB’ combat/trainer would suggest to me that this is the case.

Regards, Glenn.