Despite program delays caused by the loss of two prototypes in engine-related accidents (third prototype on 15 June 1978 and the fifth prototype on 31 October 1980), the ''MiG-29B'' production version entered service in August 1983 at the [[Kubinka]] air base. State acceptance trials were completed in 1984, and deliveries began the same year to the Soviet [[Soviet Air Force|Frontal Aviation]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2012}}
The workload split between TPFI and LPFI became more apparent as the MiG-29 filtered into front line service with the [[Soviet Air Forces]] (Russian: ''Voenno-Vozdushnye Sily'' [VVS]) in the mid-1980s. While the heavy, long range Su-27 was tasked with the more exotic and dangerous role of deep air-to-air sweeps of NATO high-value assets, the smaller MiG-29 directly replaced the MiG-23 in the frontal aviation role. Features such as rugged landing gear and protective intake grates allowed MiG-29 operations from damaged or under-prepared airstrips that Soviet war planners expected to encounter during a rapid armored advance. The MiG-29 was to be an escort for local strike and interdiction air packages, protecting vulnerable ground attack aircraft from NATO fighters such as the F-15 and F-16.{{citation needed|date=November 2011}}
