In News:

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its final two squadrons of the iconic MiG-21 Bison fighter jets in September 2025, marking the end of an era that spanned over six decades.
• First inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 played a pivotal role in shaping India's aerial combat capabilities and remains a symbol of India's early steps toward defence self-reliance.

MiG-21: An Overview

• Origin: Designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau of the Soviet Union in the 1950s.
• Type: Single-engine, supersonic jet fighter.
• Speed: Capable of speeds over Mach 2.0, making it one of the fastest jets of its time.
• Induction in India: Entered IAF service in 1963; licensed production began in the 1960s by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Significance: India’s first combat aircraft of non-Western origin and a key asset for air superiority during the Cold War and beyond.

Operational Legacy

The MiG-21 became the backbone of the IAF from the 1970s until the early 2000s, remaining in service even after the induction of more advanced aircraft like the Su-30MKI.

Wars and Combat Contributions

• 1965 & 1971 Indo-Pak Wars: Played a crucial role in establishing air superiority.
• During the 1971 war, MiG-21s conducted multiple successful bombing missions, including attacks on Pakistani airbases, contributing significantly to India’s decisive victory and the creation of Bangladesh.
• The aircraft famously outmatched Pakistan’s F-104 Starfighters in dogfights.

Strengths

• All-weather operations capability.
• Versatility in roles: air-to-air combat, ground attacks, and reconnaissance.
• Compatibility with a variety of air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons.

Limitations and Controversy

Despite its legendary status, the MiG-21's later years were marked by increasing technical limitations and a poor safety record:

• Nicknamed "Flying Coffin" due to over 400 crashes since the 1970s.
• Resulted in the deaths of over 200 pilots and 50 civilians.
• Upgraded variants like the MiG-21 Bison included radar and avionics improvements but could not overcome structural and safety limitations.
• Retirement was delayed multiple times due to shortages in the IAF’s squadron strength.

Retirement and Replacement

• The last two MiG-21 Bison squadrons will be phased out by September 2025.
• India had produced over 600 MiG-21s under license.
• Replacement underway with indigenously developed Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, part of India’s push for self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• The IAF currently operates 29 squadrons—well below the sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons.