MiG-21

The MiG-21 has been a staple aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for decades, and its retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in the IAF’s history.

About MiG-21

1. Origin & Design:

   • Designer: Developed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the former Soviet Union.

   • First Flight: The MiG-21 made its first flight in 1955 and was later inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963.

   • Type: A supersonic jet fighter, it was designed primarily for air superiority and ground attack roles.

2. Role in India:

   • First Supersonic Jet: The MiG-21 was India’s first-ever supersonic jet, marking a significant leap in the country’s air combat capabilities.

   • Mass Production: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) built 657 MiG-21s in India under a license agreement with Russia, making it one of the most produced aircraft in history.

   • Global Production: It holds the title of being the second most produced jet in the world, with more than 11,000 units manufactured globally.

3. Combat History:

   • 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan Wars: The MiG-21 played a crucial role in India’s air operations, participating actively in both wars.

   • Kargil War (1999): The aircraft was involved in combat missions during the Kargil War, proving its versatility in high-altitude operations.

   • Balakot Airstrikes (2019): The MiG-21s were part of the IAF’s Balakot airstrike in response to the Pulwama attack, highlighting its continued relevance.

   • Operation Sindoor: The MiG-21 continued to serve in modern operations, such as Operation Sindoor, showcasing its enduring service to the IAF.

4. Legacy & Nicknames:

   • The MiG-21 earned several nicknames due to its distinctive design and combat role:

     • ‘Fishbed’: Its NATO reporting name.

     • ‘Balalaika’: Owing to the aircraft's planform resembling the Russian stringed instrument.

     • ‘Ołówek’: Polish for ‘pencil’, due to its narrow fuselage.

     • ‘Én Bạc’: Meaning ‘silver swallow’ in Vietnamese.

   • The MiG-21 is often regarded as one of the most battle-tested fighter jets in history, having seen action in multiple conflicts.

5. Retirement and Transition:

   • As of September, the MiG-21 Bison will be retired by the IAF, marking the end of an era for one of its longest-serving aircraft.

   • Retirement Date: This marks a milestone in IAF’s modernization efforts, as the MiG-21 will be replaced by more advanced and capable aircraft like the Su-30MKI and Tejas.

6. Significance in the IAF:

   • Despite being outdated by modern standards, the MiG-21 has remained a reliable and cost-effective aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

   • The MiG-21 Bison, an upgraded version, had continued to serve until its retirement. The aircraft’s legacy is defined by consistent service over multiple decades, helping secure India’s airspace during critical moments in history.

7. Challenges with the MiG-21:

   • Over the years, the MiG-21 has faced safety concerns and high accident rates due to its age and design limitations. These concerns were one of the factors contributing to the decision to retire the aircraft.

   • Despite these issues, the MiG-21 earned respect for its toughness and reliability in battle.

Why the MiG-21 Bison is Being Phased Out

1. IAF Modernization Drive:

   • The Indian Air Force (IAF) has embarked on a modernization program to replace older aircraft with more advanced, multi-role fighter jets.

   • The MiG-21, despite being iconic, has faced several challenges over the years, including high accident rates, leading to a decision to phase it out gradually.

   • The MiG-21 Bison is being replaced by more modern aircraft, such as the Su-30MKI, Tejas, and potentially Rafale fighters, which offer better operational capabilities.

2. Phasing Out Timeline:

   • The IAF had already planned to phase out its MiG-21 squadrons by 2025, with the first squadron expected to retire in September 2022.

   • Similarly, the MiG-29 squadrons are also set to be phased out over the next five years as part of the IAF's modernization.

3. Accident and Safety Concerns:

   • The MiG-21 has faced criticism for its high accident rate, with the aircraft earning the nickname ‘Flying Coffin’ due to the number of crashes it has been involved in.

   • 21 crashes over the last decade (out of 108 total military aircraft accidents) have been linked to the MiG-21 variants.

   • Causes for the accidents range from weather, technical faults, human error, to bird strikes.

Why MiG-21 Faces Frequent Crashes

1. Single-Engine Design:

   • The MiG-21 is a single-engine fighter, meaning that if the engine fails, the pilot cannot rely on a backup engine.

   • While there are protocols for restarting the engine in mid-air, re-lighting a single engine takes time, and if the aircraft is at low altitude, it becomes extremely difficult to recover from the situation.

2. Ageing Aircraft:

   • The MiG-21 has been in service for over 60 years, and while India has been operating upgraded variants (MiG-21 Bison), the aircraft is still outdated compared to modern jets in terms of avionics, speed, weapon systems, and fuel efficiency.

   • The wear and tear of years of use contribute to technical issues and increased maintenance requirements, making the aircraft prone to accidents.

3. Lack of Advanced Safety Features:

   • Modern fighter jets have advanced avionics and ejection systems that increase safety for pilots. The MiG-21’s older design, while effective in its time, lacks many of these modern safety features.

4. High Operational Stress:

   • The MiG-21 has been in service during multiple conflicts and peacekeeping operations for over five decades. This long period of operational use has led to stress on the aircraft, further exacerbating mechanical failures and operational challenges.

The Modernization of the Indian Air Force (IAF)

1. Focus on Advanced Fighters:

   • The IAF’s modernization strategy includes inducting multi-role fighter aircraft that are more advanced, reliable, and capable of meeting contemporary defense requirements.

   • The Su-30MKI, Tejas, and Rafale jets provide greater strike capabilities, precision in air-to-ground operations, and superior combat maneuverability.

2. Tejas – A Key Replacement:

   • The Tejas aircraft, developed by HAL, is expected to replace the MiG-21 and provide a modern, indigenous option for the IAF.

   • Tejas Mk1A, with enhanced capabilities, will be a significant asset to the Indian Air Force, providing a cutting-edge light combat aircraft to complement other advanced fighter jets.

3. Su-30MKI and Rafale – Air Superiority:

   • The Su-30MKI, Rafale, and MiG-29 will take over the role of the MiG-21 in air superiority and interceptor operations, offering higher payload capacities and advanced radar systems.

   • These jets are also better suited to deal with modern aerial threats, including stealth and high-speed missile systems.

Conclusion:

The MiG-21’s retirement symbolizes a major shift in the Indian Air Force’s fleet, marking the end of one of the most iconic aircraft in its history. Its role in India's defense is unparalleled, and its legacy will be remembered as a pillar of IAF's aviation history. The transition to more modern fighter jets will further strengthen the air combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force in the coming years.