What’s Happening ?
- Event: Indian Air Force (IAF) formally retired its last MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26, 2025, at Chandigarh Air Force Station.
- Squadrons retired:
- No. 23 Panthers
- No. 3 Cobras
- Together operated 36 aircraft.
- Significance: MiG-21 served the IAF for over six decades (1963–2025) and participated in major conflicts and operations.
Relevance :
- GS III (Defence & Security): Fleet modernization, indigenous aircraft programs (LCA-Tejas, AMCA), operational capability.
- GS II (IR / Strategic Affairs): India-Russia defence cooperation, regional security implications (China, Pakistan).
Why It’s in the News ?
- Historical moment: Marks the end of an era for India’s first-generation supersonic fighter fleet.
- Operational implications: IAF’s fighter squadron strength reduces to 29, below the sanctioned strength of 42, highlighting a gap in operational readiness.
- Emotional and symbolic: Ceremony attended by Defence Minister, IAF chiefs, veterans; includes aerial displays by Tejas, Jaguar, and Surya Kiran team.
Historical Significance of MiG-21
- Induction: 1963, frontline interceptor and multi-role fighter.
- Key Conflicts / Operations:
- 1971 Indo-Pak war
- Kargil conflict
- Balakot air strikes
- Operation Sindoor
- Attributes: Single-engine, single-seater, versatile, low-maintenance, and symbol of Indo-Russian defence collaboration.
- Upgrades over time: MiG-21 Bison and other variants sustained relevance until retirement.
India-Russia Strategic Context
- MiG-21 legacy: Not just a fighter jet, but also a marker of India-Russia defence ties.
- Technology transfer: MiG-21 program enabled Indian engineers and pilots to gain expertise in fighter operations, maintenance, and upgrades.
- Strategic cooperation: Retirement highlights the transition from Soviet-era platforms to indigenous Indian aircraft (LCA-Tejas, AMCA).
Current Operational Status
- Squadron strength: 29, lowest since the 1960s.
- Fleet gap: Retirement of MiG-21 reduces interceptor capability and frontline fighter coverage.
- Replacement plans:
- LCA-Tejas operational in several squadrons; additional orders signed.
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in development.
- Emphasis on indigenization and modern multirole fighters.
Lessons and Strategic Implications
- Legacy of MiG-21:
- Operational resilience and adaptability.
- Foundation for training, doctrine, and indigenous aircraft development.
- Current challenge: Fighter fleet is below sanctioned strength, stressing the need for fast induction of Tejas and other modern jets.
- Future focus:
- Strengthen indigenous aircraft programs (LCA-Tejas, AMCA).
- Maintain operational readiness during fleet transition.
- Enhance multi-role capabilities to replace aging Soviet-era aircraft.
Broader Defence Context
- Modernization: Retirement underscores urgent fleet modernization in light of regional threats (China, Pakistan).
- Indigenization: Signals shift from dependency on Russian imports to domestic fighter programs.
- Capability gap: Reduction to 29 squadrons highlights need for strategic procurement, training, and force planning.
