IAF's MiG-21 aircraft to retire in ceremonial decommissioning on Sept 19 after 6 decades of service
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire the remaining Russian-origin MiG-21 fleet in a ceremonial decommissioning on September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase, media reports said.
Two squadrons of the MiG-21 Bisons are currently active for the Indian Air Force.
India procured more than 700 MiG-21 aircraft of different variants, such as the Type-77, Type-96, BIS and the Bison, since the aircraft’s induction in the IAF in 1963
"Indian Air Force to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jet by September this year. The squadrons operating the aircraft are currently in Nal air base in Rajasthan. The LCA Mark 1A aircraft would be replacing the MiG-21s in the IAF," ANI reported, quoting a defence official.
The MiG 21 is India's first ever supersonic jet, acquired as part of a deal with the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1963.
The aircraft has had limited use in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, but was subsequently used in multiple military conflicts since, including the 1999 Kargil War, 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
The phasing out of the aging MiG-21 fleet was originally scheduled to be concluded by 2022.
However, it was held up due to the delay in the planned induction of other fighter jets, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, which are set to replace the MiG-21 squadrons.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
Parallel justice system in Bengaluru! Apartment body booked for hushing up crimes
Bengaluru police have registered a criminal case against a residential apartment association and its private security agency for allegedly bypassing the criminal justice system by dealing with serious offences internally instead of reporting them to the police, media reports said.
Only BS-IV and above vehicles will be exempted, Supreme Court clarifies pollution order
The Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that only vehicles with BS-IV compliant engines and above will be exempt from action if found operating in Delhi, modifying its earlier order on curbs for older vehicles amid worsening air pollution.
‘Indian manufacturing is declining’: Rahul Gandhi’s remark in Germany's BMW plant sparks row
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again stirred a political row with his remarks on India’s manufacturing sector during his visit to Munich, Germany.
Strategic message from the seas: Indian Coast Guard ship Sarthak reaches Chabahar Port
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, entered the Chabahar port in Iran, a strategically placed deep-water port that offers India a direct maritime gateway to Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Latest News
Parallel justice system in Bengaluru! Apartment body booked for hushing up crimes
Smog forces abandonment of India vs South Africa 4th T20I in Lucknow
Only BS-IV and above vehicles will be exempted, Supreme Court clarifies pollution order
NFR strengthens safety measures at level crossing gates across zone
