China has ingeniously transformed its retired J-6 fighter jet (a Chinese version of the Soviet MiG-19) into a cutting-edge supersonic drone, now destined for saturation strikes—massive, coordinated attacks. This remarkable unveiling occurred right before the Changchun Air Show on September 16. This poses the question: can India revolutionize its old MiG-21 aircraft in a similar fashion?
The J-6 aircraft, which dates back to the 1950s-60s, once formed the backbone of the Chinese Air Force (PLAAF), much like the MiG-21 did for India. As the MiG-21 nears retirement, the J-6 has already been transitioned into an unmanned platform.
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According to X account @RupprechtDeino, significant modifications were made: removal of cannons, ejection seats, and fuel tanks, replaced by autopilot systems, automatic flight controls, payload pylons, and a terrain-following navigation system.
Source: aajtak
Though it first flew in 1995, it is now repurposed for warfare. Over 600 J-6s have been converted by 2022, with over 1,000 available in stock. Offering a range of 350 miles (approximately 560 km), these drones boast supersonic speeds and a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds (450 kg).
Training Target: Provides a realistic-sized target for pilots and air defense crews.
Decoy: Draws enemy fire.
Strike Platform: Engages with light weaponry.
Reconnaissance: Undertakes risky reconnaissance missions.
China’s Strategic Advantage:
It’s economically smart—ten times cheaper than new drones—and can be deployed on a large scale. Stored in hardened shelters near Taiwan, they play a crucial role in saturation attacks, overwhelming enemy defenses. Similar strategies were employed by the US with the QF-4/QF-16 and by Azerbaijan using AN-2 in the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
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India possesses MiG-21 'Bison' jets, relics of the 1960s, infamously dubbed 'Flying Coffins' due to numerous accidents. The final squadron is set to retire by September 26, 2025, leaving about 40-50 MiG-21s, slated to retire by 2027. Consequently, the IAF’s squadron strength will drop to 29 from the required 42.
Source: aajtak
India should strategize over converting MiG-21s into drones—either strike or target drones, similar to China. These could assist DRDO’s SAM missile tests (Akash-NG, QRSAM, XRSAM). With speeds reaching Mach 2 and altitudes of 17 km, MiG-21s could effectively simulate enemy aircraft maneuvers.
Cost: Conversion costs ₹5-10 crores per unit, significantly cheaper compared to UCAV's ₹50-100 crores.
Use: Air defense tests, simulation of stealth, and swarm drones. Proved invaluable during Operation Sindhur against Pakistani drones.
Project Kult: Designated MiG-21s for long-range SAM targeting.
HAL proposed converting MiG-21s into combat drones under the CATS program, but the IAF declined due to high maintenance costs and safety risks. Most MiG-21s will end up either in storage or scrapped.
Source: aajtak
Indeed, India could convert MiG-21s into drones akin to China's J-6 models; however, present plans extend only to target drones. Ongoing research focusing on unmanned conversions might set a precedent. Vietnam eyes similar plans. Economically feasible, it leverages thousands of stockpiled MiG-21s. But challenges loom...
Outdated Avionics: Lacks fly-by-wire technology.
Safety: Communication failures could lead to accidents.
Budget: UCAV conversion remains costly.
To achieve capabilities similar to China’s saturation strikes, India should prioritize indigenous CATS (UCAV) and ALFA-S swarm drone advancements. Converting MiG-21s into target drones remains practical, boosting DRDO's SAM capabilities. In the future, MiG-21s will be replaced by Tejas Mk2 and Ghatak UCAVs.
