IAF Mig-21
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will decommission its final MiG-21 fighter jet on 19 September 2025, signifying the conclusion of a sixty-year era for this emblematic aircraft. However, the departure also heralds a difficult period: the IAF’s combat capability will decline to its lowest level in decades. The retirement of the MiG-21 highlights an increasing apprehension regarding India’s air defense readiness.
Retirement of MiG-21s to Significantly Impact IAF Squadron Strength
The phase-out will diminish IAF’s fighter squadrons to merely 29, significantly below the 42 squadrons advised by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to address a possible two-front conflict with Pakistan and China. Each squadron generally comprises 16 to 18 fighter jets, rendering the deficit especially pronounced in light of persistent regional tensions.
Ceremonial Farewell in Chandigarh—The Origin Point
The concluding farewell ceremony for the MiG-21 will appropriately occur at the Chandigarh air base, where the initial group of six jets was received in April 1963. Soviet engineers constructed the aircraft and conducted test flights at the same location, laying the foundation for a durable Indo-Soviet defense alliance. The IAF has extended invitations for veterans to participate in the event, highlighting its historical significance.
Postponement of Tejas Mark-1A Induction Exacerbates Crisis
The Tejas Mark-1A, initially designed to supplant the MiG-21, has experienced numerous delivery postponements. HAL was scheduled to deliver the initial batch in March 2024, followed by 16 aircraft each subsequent year. By July 2025, no jets had been delivered. This delay has hindered the IAF’s modernising initiatives and exacerbated the disparity in operational readiness.
From Supersonics to Legacy: The Evolution of India’s MiG-21
India has incorporated a total of 874 MiG-21 aircraft since 1963, with 657 produced under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The aircraft underwent numerous enhancements in avionics, radar, and missile capabilities over time. Although originally a point-defense interceptor, later variants, such as the MiG-21 Bis, acquired multi-role capabilities. Nonetheless, the aircraft’s operational range and restricted endurance continued to pose limitations in contemporary warfare.
Operational Heritage and Combat History
The MiG-21 was instrumental in conflicts including the 1971 Bangladesh War, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 post-Balakot air engagement, during which Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was piloting one. The aircraft acquired the epithet “Flying Coffin” owing to its elevated accident rate—490 crashes resulting in the loss of over 170 pilots, a somber statistic that continues to tarnish its legacy.
Mixed Legacy in IAF Service
| Year/Conflict | MiG-21 Losses | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 Indo-Pak War | 2 | Lost on ground during Pathankot air raid |
| 1971 Bangladesh War | 8 | Lost in air combat and operational accidents |
| Kargil Conflict 1999 | 1 | Shot down during combat operations |
| Post-Balakot Clash 2019 | 1 | MiG-21 Bison shot down (Gp Capt Abhinandan) |
| Training/Peacetime Accidents | ~400 | Crashes due to technical failure, human error, or poor weather |
- Total Confirmed Losses: ~412
- Pilot Fatalities: ~200
Progression of the MiG-21 within Indian Air Force Operations
Subsequent to the initial acquisition of MiG-21F-13s, India acquired six MiG-21PF (Type 76) fighters in 1965. He was succeeded by 250 units of the MiG-21FL (Type 77), followed subsequently by the MiG-21M/MF (Type 96) and MiG-21 Bis (Type 75) variants. The last Bis units were produced in 1985, rendering them 40 years old in retirement. By 1994, a replacement was anticipated; however, setbacks in indigenous programs prolonged the operational lifespan of the MiG-21 for several decades beyond the original timeline.
The Necessity of India’s Modernisation
The Indian Air Force (IAF) must urgently expedite its force structure objectives. The postponement of Tejas deliveries, along with the lack of a rapid interim solution, may create a perilous void in national air defense. As India prioritizes domestic fighter production, it may need to consider foreign acquisitions or leasing alternatives to address a capability deficit.
References
- Tribune India—MiG-21 Retirement Report
- IAF Official Website
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- Indian Ministry of Defence
- The Hindu—Tejas Jet Delays
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