Indian Air Force Replacing MiG-21 with Tejas Mk1A Jets
The Indian Air Force has announced that the venerable MiG-21 fighter jets will be phased out of active service by September. These aircraft will be replaced by the more modern and agile Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.
History of the MiG-21 in India
The MiG-21, a Russian-made jet, first entered service in India in 1963. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s skies and territories.
Currently, the Indian Air Force has 36 MiG-21 planes remaining in its arsenal. This number is a significant decrease from the approximately 900 MiG-21 jets that were once in service, with around 660 of them being built in India.
A Fond Farewell
In a memorable moment in October 2023, the No 4 squadron of the Indian Air Force flew the MiG-21 fighter aircraft for one last time over the town of Barmer in Rajasthan. This symbolic gesture was a way to bid farewell to the legendary aircraft and express gratitude for its years of service.
As part of the modernization plan, the MiG-21 fighter aircraft will be completely phased out by 2025. The Indian Air Force will transition to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A, popularly known as Tejas, as its new frontline fighter jet.
This decision was confirmed by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the then-Air Force chief, who stated, “We will stop flying the MiG-21 fighter aircraft by 2025 and will replace them with the LCA Mark-1A.”
The retirement of the MiG-21 marks a significant shift in the Indian Air Force’s fleet, as it embraces newer and more advanced technologies to enhance its operational capabilities.
