The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently been in the news after a MiG-21 Bison aircraft crashed in Barmer, Rajasthan, leading to the death of two pilots. This incident has drawn attention to the IAF’s fleet and its ongoing modernization process, particularly concerning the MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft.
The Current IAF Fleet and Modernization Drive
As it stands, the IAF operates 70 MiG-21 aircraft, along with 50 MiG-29 variants. There are currently four squadrons of the MiG-21 Bison aircraft, each comprising 16-18 aircraft, including two trainer versions. However, changes are on the horizon as the IAF looks to modernize its fleet.
The IAF plans to phase out these four MiG-21 fighter squadrons, with one set to retire from service in September 2022. Additionally, over the next five years, the IAF also anticipates beginning the phasing out of three squadrons of MiG-29 fighter jets. The aim is to retire all four MiG-21 squadrons by 2025. This phased retirement is a component of the broader IAF modernization drive.
An Overview of the MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau of the Soviet Union and brought into service in 1959. It has since flown in approximately 60 countries across four continents and continues to serve many nations.
India introduced the MiG-21 into its ranks in 1963, securing full technology transfer and the rights to license-build the aircraft domestically. Even though Russia ceased production of the aircraft in 1985, India continued to operate upgraded variants.
Understanding the MiG-21 Crashes in India
In the past decade, there have been 108 military air accidents involving the Army, Navy, IAF, and Coast Guard. Of these, 21 crashes involved the MiG-21 Bison and its variants. This high accident rate has earned this aircraft the notorious nickname “Flying Coffin”.
The reasons for these crashes vary, encompassing factors such as weather conditions, human error, technical issues, bird hits, and the MiG-21’s single-engine design. A single-engine fighter, like the MiG-21, can pose risks if the engine fails mid-flight – it needs to be restarted, which takes time. If the aircraft is below minimum height during this process, evacuation may become necessary.
Preventing Future Aircraft Accidents
Preventing similar accidents in the future will require a multifaceted approach that combines technology with comprehensive pilot training. The implementation of Ground Proximity Warning Systems could generate early warning signals, helping flight crews take preventive action against the onset of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). Emphasizing effective training for pilots to foster situational awareness and execute correct interventions is also crucial.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024