MiGs.. Upgrade or get rid of?

I recently read a very interesting article on acig.org relating to users of MiGs..particularly the MiG-29. (although there is a fair amount mentioned to the Flanker series).

Basically are the Migs worth keeping and upgrading? or would it be more cost effective to just buy a completely new type?

The key arguements for upgrading is that it could be cheaper.. although current upgrades at the moment probably only put the Migs up to par with aircraft from 1990’s standard I.E F-16 block 50 etc, it wont put them up to par with the most advance 4th generation fighters such as F-16 block 60, Typhoon, Rafale, etc.

Ultimately the article felt that advance western systems, such as RBE2 radar, Captor, etc integrated into the MiG/Sukhoi which are known to have one of the best aerodynamic structures, could be just as effective if not better.. although the key arguement is how much can this structure support (as most will be either old or will have to be new buys in which case will probably be the MiG-29 with teh hunchback), and how expensive such a procedure will be.

The article then mentions the Su-30MKI as a partial example as the aircraft incorporates the most advance Russian radar (probably the most advance in an inservice aircraft for now..) along with western systems..

Personally.. I still feel that the MiG-29’s engines and maintenance are a key obstacle but that if given the best western avionics it could get..it would definitely be a deadly aircraft as it is very agile..especially in slow speed and good acceleration. I don’t know how much the fuel capacity is increased with the later versions though.