Source: NDTV
Context: The Indian Air Force will retire its final two MiG-21 Bison squadrons in September 2025, concluding the aircraft’s six-decade-long service since its induction in 1963.
About MiG-21:
- What is MiG-21?
- The MiG-21 is a Soviet-designed single-engine supersonic jet fighter known for its speed, agility, and compact frame. It was one of the world’s most widely used fighter aircraft during the Cold War.
- Developed By:
- Designed by Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (USSR) in the 1950s.
- India began licensed production via Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in the 1960s.
- Inducted in India:
- First inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963.
- Became the backbone of the IAF during the 1970s to early 2000s.
- Key Features:
- Capable of Mach 2.0+ supersonic speeds.
- Operated in all-weather conditions with multi-role capacity.
- Equipped with air-to-air missiles, bombs, and cannons.
- Later variants like the MiG-21 Bison included radar upgrades and improved avionics.
- Operational Significance:
- Played crucial roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan.
- Served as India’s first non-Western origin combat aircraft.
- Limitations and Controversy:
- Known as “flying coffins” due to over 400 crashes since the 1970s.
- Over 200 pilots and 50 civilians have died due to MiG-related accidents.
- Despite upgrades, lack of modern safety features and countermeasures made them increasingly risky.
- Retirement repeatedly delayed due to shortages in IAF fighter strength.
- Replacement Plan:
- Phased out in favour of indigenously developed Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets.
- Current IAF strength down to 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5.
