MiG-21 Fighter Jets to Retire After 60 Years of Service
Indian Air Force (IAF) to formally retire the MiG-21 Bison fleet in September 2025
A ceremonial send-off will be held at Chandigarh Air Base, attended by retired pilots who flew MiG-21s
MiG-21s to be replaced by the indigenously built Tejas Mk1A
Over 700 MiG-21s were inducted by India since 1963, 3 squadrons still operational.
MiG-21 was used in multiple historic operations:
1965 & 1971 wars with Pakistan
Kargil War (1999)
Balakot Air Strike (2019) – used by Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman
About MiG-21-Operational Capabilities:
Inducted in 1963, MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter, marking a technological leap in the Cold War era.
Over 700 MiG-21 aircraft formed the core of India’s air power for five decades, with multiple upgraded variants like MiG-21 FL, M, Bis, and Bison.
Played key roles in major wars 1965, 1971, and especially the 1999 Kargil War and the 2019 Balakot air strike, including the air duel involving Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
MiG-21 production involved licensed manufacturing by HAL, showcasing early Indo-Soviet defence collaboration.
Nicknamed “Flying Coffin” due to frequent crashes in recent years, pointing to limitations of ageing platforms and pilot safety issues.
End of an Era:Its retirement marks the closing chapter of a platform that defined India’s Cold War and post-Cold War aerial deterrence posture.
Shift to Indigenous Tejas Mk1A – A New Chapter in Atmanirbhar Defence
Tejas Mk1A is a 4.5-generation light combat aircraft designed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
Key Features and Upgrades
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded variant of the original Tejas Mk1, incorporating over 40 improvements for enhanced combat capabilities and operational efficiency.
Advanced Avionic Feature
Electronic Warfare Systems:
Includes a Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) and an Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pod for improved survivability.
Digital Fly-by-Wire System
Equipped with an upgraded Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and stability.
Weapons Capability:
Has nine hardpoints capable of carrying various weapons, including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles (like Astra), air-to-air, and air-to-ground missiles.
Maintainability:
Designed for enhanced maintainability and reduced turnaround time during missions.
Expected to exceed 70% indigenous content by 2029, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
Comparison to other Jets:
The Tejas Mk1A is designed as a 4.5-generation single-engine multirole fighter.
It is poised to surpass light combat fighters like Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder and South Korea’s ΚΑΙ T-50 Golden Eagle in production numbers.
It offers competitive capabilities in terms of avionics, weapons, and cost-effectiveness