The MiG-29M (Product 9-15) is a Soviet fourth-generation-plus multirole fighter and a significant modernization of the MiG-29. Development of the aircraft began in the mid-1980s with the goal of transforming a specialized interceptor into a versatile combat aircraft. Unlike earlier models, the MiG-29M has a significantly redesigned airframe that increases fuel capacity. Key upgrades include replacing the mechanical control system with a fly-by-wire system and installing a new fire-control system based on the N010 Zhuk radar. These upgrades enabled the fighter to use the latest R-77 air-to-air missiles and a wide range of precision-guided air-to-surface weapons, including Kh-29 and Kh-31 missiles. Construction of the first MiG-29M prototype, bearing tail number 151 ("9-15/1"), was completed in early 1986. The last MiG-29M prototype, numbered 156, was built on July 2, 1991, and flew for the first time that same month. Despite the successful testing of six prototypes, budget cuts in the early 1990s prevented the project from entering mass production. However, it became the technological basis for the future MiG-29K and MiG-35.

The MiG-29M (9-15) was introduced in Update 2.55 "Ninth Wave". Compared to the MiG-29 (9-13) and MiG-29SMT, it is a major step forward in terms of capabilities. Its most notable feature is its ability to carry up to eight R-77 missiles, making it highly effective in air combat. It is also equipped with new RD-33K engines, which partially offset the increased weight of the airframe. The number of ground-attack ordnance options has increased as well; it can carry up to four Kh-29TD missiles with TV guidance. However, it has two drawbacks: the lack of a targeting pod and a small number of flares.