MiG-21 Fighter Jets to Retire in September 2025
Why in News?
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) will formally retire the MiG-21 Bison jets in September 2025.
- A ceremonial send-off is planned at Chandigarh Airbase, attended by veteran pilots.
- Tejas Mk1A will replace the outgoing jets in a significant step toward indigenisation of defence equipment.
About MiG-21
➤ Origin and Induction
- Soviet-origin, single-engine supersonic fighter and interceptor.
- First inducted in 1963.
- Over 700 aircraft inducted, many assembled by HAL under license.
➤ Operational Legacy
- Backbone of IAF until mid-2000s.
- Played critical roles in:
- 1965 & 1971 wars with Pakistan
- Kargil War (1999)
- Balakot air strikes (2019) – Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 using a MiG-21.
- Operation Sindoor
Current Status
- Two remaining squadrons (36 aircraft):
- 23 Squadron (Panthers)
- 3 Squadron (Cobras)
- Stationed at Nal Airbase, Rajasthan.
- Post-retirement, IAF’s squadron strength will drop to 29 squadrons, below the sanctioned strength of 42.
Challenges and Controversies
➤ Accidents & Safety
- Nicknamed “Flying Coffin” due to high crash rate.
- 170 pilots and 40 civilians have lost their lives in MiG-related accidents.
➤ Ageing Fleet
- Airframe and technology are severely outdated.
- Maintenance and safety issues have grown over time.
Future Roadmap
➤ Indigenisation: Tejas Mk1A
- Replacing MiG-21 with indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A
- Manufactured by HAL, with better avionics, combat capability, and safety standards.
➤ Modernisation of IAF
- Ongoing efforts to:
- Induct Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A, and future AMCA.
- Maintain strategic edge amidst two-front threat from China and Pakistan.
