Context

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will retire its last two MiG-21 Bison squadrons by September 2025, marking the end of nearly 62 years of operational service since their induction in 1963.

About the MiG-21

What Is It?

A Soviet-designed, single-engine supersonic fighter jet, the MiG-21 became one of the most widely used combat aircraft globally during the Cold War era.

• Designer: Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (USSR, 1950s)
• Indian Production: Licensed manufacturing by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) from the 1960s
• Induction into IAF: 1963

Key Features

• Speed: Supersonic flight capabilities exceeding Mach 2.0
• Role: Multi-role aircraft with air-to-air missiles, cannons, and bombs
• Weather: All-weather combat-ready
• Upgrades: Later versions like MiG-21 Bison added modern radar and avionics

Operational Significance

• First non-Western combat jet in IAF service
• Played pivotal roles in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars
• Served as the backbone of IAF through the 1970s to early 2000s

Limitations & Controversy

• Nicknamed “Flying Coffins” due to frequent crashes
• Crash Record: Over 400 incidents since the 1970s
• Fatalities: Over 200 pilots and 50 civilians lost
• Criticism: Despite upgrades, the aircraft lacked modern safety systems and countermeasures
• Retirement delayed due to delays in induction of replacement fighter jets

Retirement & Replacement

• Final Retirement: Scheduled for September 2025
• Replacement: Being phased out in favour of Tejas Mk-1A, India’s indigenously developed fighter jet
• IAF Status: Currently operates 29 fighter squadrons, against the sanctioned strength of 42.5

Conclusion

The MiG-21 symbolised India’s early leap into supersonic aviation and contributed significantly to national defence. However, its retirement marks not only the end of a historic era but also a strategic transition toward modern, indigenously developed platforms that align with India’s goals of self-reliance and technological modernisation in defence.

Source: NDTV