India's legendary MiG-21 Fighter jets to retire in September after 60 years in service

After nearly six decades of triumph mid-air, with a lasting legacy, the iconic and legendary MiG 21 aircraft are set to retire this year in September. It has been confirmed that the Indian Air Force is set to retire the remaining Russian-origin MiG 21 aircraft fleet, The Indian Express reported. The IAF will organize a ceremonial decommissioning at the Chandigarh airbase on September 19. 

The MiG 21 Bison's two squadrons are functioning actively at present. These fighter jets were inducted back in 1963. From 2017 to 2024, at least four MiG 21 squadrons are either number plated or retired from service. Over 700 variants of the aircraft have been procured by India since then. Among those four squadrons, the number 51 squadron of the Srinagar base was number-plated in 2022. Pathankot air strike hero Abhinandan Varthaman was a part of the 51 squadron. 

The ageing MiG 21 fleet was to be phased out in 2022, but because of the delay in planned induction of other fighter jets, it was held up. Even the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, which will be replacing MiG 21 squadrons, were delayed for induction. 

India's fighter squadron strength is 42 (those sanctioned), but 31 are active squadrons. After phasing out of the MiG 21 squadrons, IAF's active fighter squadron strength will further come down. Among the upgraded versions of MiG 21, IAF owned the type 77, type 96, BIS, and Bison among others. 

The MiG-21 Bison is one of the six fighter jets of India, the latest upgrade to the fleet. It has been a key fighter jet for India, serving as a single-engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter, ground attack aircraft. More than 100 MiG 21s have been upgraded to Bison in the past 30 years. They were upgraded with avionics and communication systems, electronics, multi-function display cockpits, Kopyo lightweight multi-mode radar, radio sets, electronic warfare suite, inertial navigation system or GPS, a helmet-mounted display, and a better windshield among other changes. 

But, despite the many advanced and upgraded changes, the engine performance and load carrying capacity of these jets could not be enhanced. Its airframe proved to be a major limitation. They have given an incredible performance on the field in various wars and conflicts of India, but still weren't always loved. Because of the history of crashes that followed. It has been estimated that India has lost over 400 MiG-21s ever since their induction, with crashes claiming lives of nearly 100 pilots and civilians altogether. 

Until very recently, a MiG 21 fighter jet crashed near Suratgarh in Rajasthan during a routine operational training sortie, killing three civilians. In July 2022, a MiG-21 trainer type 69 aircraft crashed, killing Wing Commander M Rana and Flight Lieutenant Advitiya Bal.