The Indian Air Force (IAF) said goodbye to some of its old MiG-21 fighter planes. These planes have been guarding India’s skies for many years. The MiG-21 Bisons from No. 4 Squadron in Rajasthan are the ones retiring. They’ve been flying since 1966. Soon, this squadron will start using new Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft. The other two squadrons in Bikaner and Suratgarh will also retire these planes by 2025.
The retirement of the MiG-21s is a big change for the Indian Air Force (IAF). They’re saying goodbye to these old planes and welcoming a new kind of aircraft called the LCA Mk-1A. This shows that the IAF wants to rely more on their own planes, made in India. They’ll start using the LCA Mk-1A next year, and the first one should arrive in February 2024. The IAF has ordered 83 of these new planes, and they’ll get them all by 2027-28. They’re even thinking of getting 97 more of these planes. It’s a way for the IAF to modernize and depend on their own defense technology.
The decision to retire the MiG-21s is driven by a series of unfortunate accidents involving these aircraft. Over the past six decades, more than 400 MiG-21s have been involved in accidents resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 200 pilots. The MiG-21’s high accident rate can be attributed to its long years of service, where it constituted the bulk of the IAF’s fighter fleet for an extended period.
The induction of the LCA Mk-1As represents a pivotal moment in the IAF’s modernization journey. These indigenous aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are expected to seamlessly take over from the retiring MiG-21s. With HAL capable of producing 16 LCA Mk-1As annually in Bengaluru and a new production line in Nashik, the production capacity is set to increase to 24 jets per year. This strategic shift towards indigenization aligns perfectly with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, embodying India’s resolute commitment to self-reliance in defense technology.
The retirement of the MiG-21s and the induction of the LCA Mk-1As mark a significant milestone for the IAF and the nation as a whole. It signifies India’s unwavering determination to bolster its defense capabilities and reduce its dependence on foreign-made aircraft. This heralds a new era in indigenous defense manufacturing and national security.
