I see mica as being a plausible upgrade. Don't forget that Rafale used also for long their Mica optical sensor as their primary. The same could be done here for a quick/cheap upgrade on the Mig.
If you are looking for a direct almost plug-and-play replacement for the R-74/AA-11 then something like the IRIS-T would likely be much more straightforward to integrate (no need for integration of datalinks that the MICA IR requires for its full range and capabilities).
If you want the MIG-29 to use the MICA IR with anything close to its full performance then you need to do some significant surgery to the MIG-29s systems (adding a MICA compatible datalink that is also compatible with and can provide data from the MIG-29s existing targeting systems - radar & electro-optical sensor).
The IRIS-T also requires proper integration through a compatible weapon bus, at least if you want to exploit its full potential. An analogue interface still exists and everything capable of using a Sidewinder can theoretically also use the IRIS-T. There might be several limitations however.
I agree, but that is certainly less work (and less complicated work re: other systems) required than would be the case for the MICA IR.
Not to disparage the MICA IR which is arguably the better (and certainly longer range) missile when fully integrated with and working in conjunction with compatible capable systems on the launching aircraft.
But if we are talking about something that is a quicker more improvised integration effort that would need at least as possible done to the launching aircraft of USSR origin and then the IRIS-T sounds like a better bet.
If someone with more in depth knowledge than I on what would be required for a relatively quick lash-up of, say, the AIM-9X can confirm that’s the better way to go than I’m open to that too
