MiG-21 jets fly into history after 6 decades of service, Pg12.

Key Highlights:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed MiG-21 a symbol of India-Russia defence partnership.
• No. 23 Squadron (Panthers), the last to operate MiG-21 Bisons, performed the final sortie.
• Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew the last operational sortie (Badal 3).
• Ceremonial switch-off of six MiG-21s and handing over of aircraft Form-700 concluded the service.
• Veterans, including former IAF chiefs, participated in the farewell; aerobatic displays by Surya Kiran, Tejas, and Jaguars marked the occasion.
• MiG-21 played crucial roles in 1971 War, Kargil conflict, Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor.
• Decommissioning reduced IAF’s squadron strength to 29 squadrons, lowest since the 1960s.

Detailed Insights:

• Historical significance: Inducted in 1963, MiG-21 became the backbone of the IAF, with over 800 aircraft operated, shaping India’s aerial combat capabilities.
• Combat legacy: Its role in 1971 war cemented air superiority; in Kargil and Balakot, it showcased versatility despite being an aging platform.
• Safety concerns: Nicknamed “Flying Coffin” due to frequent crashes in later years, raising debates on timely modernisation.
• Strategic implications: Reduced squadron strength highlights urgent need to accelerate induction of LCA-Tejas, Rafale, and future AMCA.
• Indigenisation push: Govt. sees MiG-21 legacy as inspiration for self-reliant aerospace programmes like Tejas and AMCA.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Squadron strength: Number of operational fighter aircraft units; IAF requires ~42 squadrons for a two-front war scenario.
• AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft): Indigenous 5th-generation stealth multirole fighter under development by DRDO-HAL.
• LCA-Tejas: India’s first indigenously developed lightweight multirole fighter jet, replacing MiG-21s progressively.