Source: NDTV
Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally retired its last two MiG-21 squadrons — No. 23 Panthers and No. 3 Cobras — marking the end of a six-decade era.
About MiG-21:
What it is?
- A supersonic jet fighter and interceptor with delta-wing design.
- NATO codename: “Fishbed”; nicknames include Balalaika (shape) and Silver Swallow.
Developed by:
- Designed in the 1950s by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (Soviet Union).
- First prototype (Ye-4) flew in 1955 and became the world’s most-produced supersonic jet.
History in India:
- Inducted in 1963 as IAF’s first supersonic jet.
- India procured 700+ MiG-21s across variants, the last being MiG-21 Bison (2006 upgrade).
- Saw action in 1965 War, 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and 1999 Kargil conflict.
- Also carried controversies due to high crash record (500+ accidents, 170+ pilot deaths).
Features:
- Single-engine, single-seat interceptor and top speed Mach 2.
- Delta wing for rapid climb but limited turning combat.
- Bison upgrade added modern avionics, radar, and BVR missiles (Derby, ASTRA).
- Emergency thrust mode gave thrust-to-weight ratio near 1:1 for short bursts.
Contribution so far:
- Served as IAF’s backbone for six decades; trained multiple generations of fighter pilots.
- Symbolised Soviet-Indian defence cooperation during Cold War.
