India’s decision to phase out MiG-21 jets in 2025 represents a significant milestone in its military aviation strategy, emphasizing safety, modernization, and indigenous development.
Overview
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will bid farewell to the iconic MiG-21 fighter jets by September 2025, marking the end of their esteemed six-decade-long service in India’s military aviation. These jets, once the backbone of the IAF, are making way for the more advanced indigenously developed LCA Tejas Mark 1A.
Background
- First introduced in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s maiden supersonic fighter aircraft, originating from the Soviet Union.
- It has played pivotal roles in various conflicts, including the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, 1999 Kargil War, and the 2019 Balakot airstrike.
- The MiG-21’s extensive service history has etched a remarkable chapter in Indian defense annals.
Significance
- The retirement of the MiG-21 signifies a paradigm shift in India’s air combat capabilities, emphasizing the adoption of modern, indigenous platforms like the LCA Tejas.
- This move aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Challenges and Concerns
- Despite its illustrious past, the MiG-21 has come under scrutiny due to frequent accidents, earning it the moniker “Flying Coffin.”
- Delays in LCA Tejas delivery, partly due to tardy engine supplies from GE Aerospace, pose challenges to IAF’s combat readiness during this transition.
Future Plans
- The IAF intends to replace MiG-21 squadrons at Nal Air Base (Rajasthan) with Tejas Mark 1A aircraft, with HAL aiming to deliver six Tejas jets by March 2026.
- This transition is poised to modernize the fleet and bolster the IAF’s combat effectiveness.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- India to retire MiG-21 jets by September 2025, transitioning towards modern, indigenous aircraft.
- IAF’s move aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat‘ initiative, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
- Challenges include delays in LCA Tejas delivery and the MiG-21’s safety concerns.
- Replacement of MiG-21 with Tejas jets aims to modernize the fleet and improve combat readiness.
