IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) will retire its MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26, after nearly six decades of service.
• The MiG-21, inducted in 1963, was India’s first supersonic fighter jet.
• Over 700 MiG-21s of different variants were inducted, many built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• The aircraft played roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, the 2019 Balakot air strikes, and Operation Sindoor.

Detailed Insights:

• The MiG-21 has been the backbone of the IAF until the mid-2000s, significantly contributing to India's air defense capabilities.
• Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 in 2019 while flying a MiG-21.
• The MiG-21 boosted India’s aerospace industry, enhancing indigenous manufacturing and technological capabilities.
• As the MiG-21 squadrons are phased out, the IAF’s combat strength will decrease to 29 squadrons.
• The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A is expected to replace the MiG-21 in the coming years.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Supersonic Fighter: An aircraft capable of exceeding the speed of sound.
• Indigenous Manufacturing: Production of goods within a country, fostering self-reliance.
• Air Defence: Measures taken to protect a country against aerial attacks.