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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing a final, crucial mission for its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets, which are nearing the end of their operational life.
After serving the nation for over sixty years, a selection of these retiring aircraft will be converted into high-speed aerial targets. This strategic initiative will support the testing of next-generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems being developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
As the IAF plans to phase out its last two squadrons of 40-50 MiG-21 Bison aircraft by 2027, this innovative repurposing provides a fitting conclusion to the jet's storied career.
This plan offers a highly practical and economical solution for handling the decommissioned fleet.
While many of the aged airframes will be preserved in storage facilities, converting some into expendable drones for missile trials is a far more cost-effective option than the complex and expensive process of turning them into unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
By reusing these legacy platforms, the IAF not only maximises their utility but also strengthens India’s self-reliant defence ecosystem.
It allows for the rigorous and realistic testing of advanced indigenous air defence systems, including the Akash-NG, Quick Reaction SAM (QRSAM), and the long-range XRSAM.
First inducted in the early 1960s, the MiG-21 has been a cornerstone of India's air power, with over 800 jets serving in various capacities over six decades.
Its final variant, the MiG-21 Bison, received significant upgrades to its avionics, radar, and weapon systems, allowing it to fire beyond-visual-range missiles and remain a credible interceptor into the 21st century.
The jet continued to serve in critical roles, such as providing defensive air cover alongside modern Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
However, due to its ageing design, increasing maintenance demands, and a shrinking fleet, the IAF is proceeding with its retirement, paving the way for the induction of the domestically produced Tejas Mk1A and MkII aircraft.
Authorities had considered several options for the retired fleet, including a proposal to convert them into UCAVs for attack missions. However, this idea was found to be impractical.
The cost of maintaining airworthiness for aircraft over 50 years old would be prohibitively high, and their combat effectiveness would be limited compared to purpose-built drones like the DRDO's Ghatak.
Instead, the IAF and DRDO chose to convert them into unmanned aerial targets, a practice successfully employed by other global air forces, such as the United States Air Force's use of retired F-16s as QF-16 target drones.
This approach leverages the MiG-21's flight characteristics to simulate enemy aircraft during live-fire exercises.
The conversion into target drones will be instrumental for validating the performance of India's future air defence shield. These advanced missile systems require targets that can mimic the speed, altitude, and manoeuvrability of modern fighter jets.
Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2 and executing high-G turns at altitudes up to 17 kilometres, the MiG-21 Bison is an ideal candidate for this role.
The conversion process is relatively straightforward, involving the removal of non-essential components and the installation of remote-control systems and telemetry equipment for data collection, making it significantly cheaper than a full UCAV conversion.
The financial logic behind this decision is compelling. Transforming a MiG-21 into a single-use target drone is estimated to cost between ₹5 to ₹10 crore.
In contrast, converting the same airframe into a reusable combat drone would cost ₹50 to ₹100 crore, while procuring a new advanced UCAV like an MQ-9B costs several hundred crores.
By using the retired jets as expendable targets, the need for expensive, long-term maintenance is eliminated, as each drone is used for a single test flight.
The conversion work is slated to be carried out at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) facility in Nashik, which has decades of experience in maintaining the MiG-21 fleet. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), with its expertise in radar and control systems, will likely contribute to the instrumentation of the drones.
The initial trials using these repurposed jets are expected to begin around 2027, aligning with the induction of the Akash-NG and QRSAM systems. Subsequent tests for the more advanced 350-km range XRSAM are anticipated to follow between 2028 and 2030.
Recent operational experiences have underscored the growing importance of a multi-layered and robust air defence network capable of countering diverse threats like drones and loitering munitions.
While India’s existing systems have proven effective, the development of future capabilities against stealth aircraft and swarm drones requires constant and realistic testing.
By allowing the MiG-21 to fly one last time as a simulated adversary, the IAF is turning a retiring warrior into a vital tool for forging the next generation of India's air defences.
