The Indian Air Force's most potent yet controversial fighter jet, the MiG-21, faces delays in being fully retired. The Tejas-Mk1A fighter jet production delay is a significant factor. Once a formidable force in the 1971 war against Pakistan, the MiG-21 has witnessed 400 crashes in its 60-year service history.
These incidents led to the loss of 200 air force pilots and approximately 60 civilian lives, earning it the moniker 'The Flying Coffin'. Both the Air Force and the government aim to replace this Cold War-era jet with the Tejas-Mk1A fleet. However, production delays hinder progress.
Source: aajtak
Therefore, fully phasing out the MiG-21 fleet by December 2025 seems unfeasible. The Air Force aims to form the first Tejas-Mk1A squadron at Bikaner's Nal Airbase this year, where the MiG-21 Bison squadron is currently stationed. However, engine supply issues delay the MiG-21's retirement.
Discover more about the MiG-21 Fighter Jet...
The MiG-21 is a Cold War-era fighter jet infamous as 'The Flying Coffin'. Despite its reputation, it managed to down Pakistan in the 1971 conflict. Yet, in its 60-year duty, it claimed 200 pilot lives and 60 civilians due to technical malfunctions.
Source: aajtak
Nicknamed the Widow Maker, India acquired 840 MiG-21 jets between 1966 and 1984, but half crashed. Even recently, accidents persist, with over 20 crashes post-2010. Only two squadrons with 31 jets remain active.
Wing Commander Vardhman Downed PAK Fighter Jet with This
Wing Commander Abhinandan Vardhman used this aircraft to shoot down a PAK F-16 jet. Continuously updated, the MiG-21 is a single-seater with a length of 48.3 feet and a height of 13.5 feet. It flies at a maximum speed of 2175 km/h with a range of 660 km and can ascend to 57,400 feet in 8.30 minutes.
Source: aajtak
Equipped with a 23mm gun firing at a rate of 200 rounds per minute, it features five hardpoints for up to four rockets and air-to-air missiles of three types. Additionally, it can carry two 500 kg bombs. Presently, the Air Force is phasing in Tejas fighter jets as substitutes. The MiG-21 first flew on June 16, 1955, in the Soviet Union and has been used by about 60 countries across four continents.
