Why in news?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced that its last two MiG‑21 Bison squadrons would be retired in September 2025, ending more than six decades of service for this iconic jet fighter.
What is the MiG‑21?
- The MiG‑21 is a single‑engine, supersonic jet fighter designed by the Mikoyan–Gurevich Design Bureau of the former Soviet Union in the 1950s.
- It was one of the world’s most widely used combat aircraft during the Cold War because of its speed, agility and relatively simple design.
Development and induction in India
- India began licensed production of the aircraft through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the 1960s, and the first MiG‑21s entered IAF service in 1963.
- The MiG‑21 became the backbone of the IAF during the 1970s–1990s, and later variants like the MiG‑21 Bison received radar and avionics upgrades.
Operational significance
- The fighter played key roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, providing air superiority and ground attack capability.
- It was India’s first non‑Western origin combat aircraft and helped diversify the IAF’s fleet.
Limitations and controversy
- The MiG‑21 has been nicknamed the “flying coffin” because more than 400 crashes have been recorded since the 1970s, resulting in the deaths of over 200 pilots and 50 civilians.
- Despite upgrades, the aircraft lacks modern safety features and is considered outdated compared with contemporary fighters.
- Repeated delays in phasing out the MiG‑21 were due to shortages in the IAF’s fighter strength.
Replacement plan
- The IAF plans to phase out MiG‑21s in favour of indigenously developed Tejas Mk‑1A light combat aircraft and other modern fighters.
- At present the IAF operates around 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5, making timely induction of new aircraft critical.
The retirement of the MiG‑21 marks the end of an era in Indian military aviation and underscores the need for continual modernisation of defence capabilities.