The internal fuel tanks were larger than the baseline Fulcrum, holding 11,463lb of kerosene, equal to 6,666 litres of the single-seater, and featuring a 1,082lb/630- litre internal tank housed just behind the cockpit. Due to the placement of the rear cockpit, the MiG-29KUB’s internal capacity was 7% less. In addition to the internal tankage, the shipborne Fulcrum introduced a new 2,150-litre under fuselage fuel tank, as well as up to four 1,150-litre underwing drop tanks. The aircraft also features a fully-retractable inflight refuelling probe to the port of the windscreen and can also be used as a buddy tanker, equipped with a PAZ-1MK refuelling pod under the fuselage
In addition, Russia touts a significantly improved MiG-29K/ KUB derivative for the hotly-contested tender for 57 multi-role carrier-borne fighters (MRCBF), but selection of a winner is far in the future.