MiG-21: Six Decades of Defending India's Skies

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, known to NATO as the "Fishbed," has been the Indian Air Force's (IAF) steadfast companion for over six decades. It holds a special place in Indian aviation history as a dependable workhorse in several conflicts.

This article explores the MiG-21 variants in IAF service, their operational history, and their impressive combat records.

Variants Serving the IAF​

The IAF has flown several significant MiG-21 variants:

• MiG-21FL (Type 77): The IAF's induction of the MiG-21FL in 1963 was a critical step in enhancing its air defence capabilities. This variant primarily served in reconnaissance and ground attack roles. While its deployment in the 1965 war was limited, it proved decisive in the 1971 conflict, gaining air superiority over the capable Pakistani F-104 Starfighters.
• MiG-21M/MF (Type 96): Introduced in the early 1970s, these variants boasted upgraded avionics, radar, and weaponry, boosting their air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.
• MiG-21bis (Type 75): The most advanced variant served the IAF with its potent fire-control radar, an afterburning engine, and superior maneuverability. The IAF's ambitious upgrade project resulted in the MiG-21 'Bison,' fitted with modern avionics, radar, and weapons. This modernization extended the aging fighter's lifespan well into the 21st century.

Operational History and Combat Prowess​

The MiG-21's exceptional track record with the IAF includes air-to-air victories in several conflicts.

During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, MiG-21s dominated the skies, neutralizing Pakistani fighters and bombers.

They again saw action in the Kargil War of 1999, offering close air support to ground forces and engaging Pakistani forces.

Beyond these major wars, notable MiG-21 engagements include:

• Downing a Pakistani Atlantique Maritime Patrol Aircraft (1999): An IAF MiG-21 successfully intercepted and shot down a Pakistani Navy reconnaissance aircraft over the Rann of Kutch.
• Alleged F-16 Kill (2019): The IAF asserts that a MiG-21 Bison engaged and shot down a Pakistani F-16 during a border skirmish, though this claim is disputed.

The Challenges of an Aging Fighter​

Despite its combat record, the MiG-21 has faced increasing safety concerns. High accident rates due to technical faults and human error have earned it the unfortunate moniker "flying coffin."

The IAF is committed to phasing out all MiG-21s by 2025.

Enduring Legacy​

The MiG-21 has been the IAF's steadfast fighter for over half a century, seeing action in multiple wars and skirmishes.

It has played a crucial role in safeguarding Indian airspace and executing ground attack missions. Even as the 'Fishbed' nears retirement, its legacy of service and the invaluable combat experience it gave generations of IAF pilots will endure as a ignificant chapter in Indian military aviation history.

 

[shivkumar sinha]

Mig-21 put final nails in the coffin of PA in December 1971 by bombing of governor house in Dhaka leading to the unconditional and historic surrender of 94000 soldiers. Similarly Mig-21 ,on 27 February 2019 , put full stop on terrorist accomplice of PA by shooting down PAF F-16. Mig-21 will go down with a proud history.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

One of the best fighter aircraft which became a flying coffin for IAF due to upgrades carried out without modification in structural strength and engine capacity. Hope we don't do the same mistake with Sukhoi.

 

[NSR]

A great fighter of its time no doubt.

But hundreds of our top gun fighter pilots were sacrificed fly these fighters.
India should have penalized HAL and its workers for shoddy production and maintenance standards which contributed to the unduly large number of deaths.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

An excellent aircraft, but IAF refuses to accept that anything has a shelf life and flogs it to an extent that it gets labeled as a widow maker and flying coffin !

 

[ryan]

One of the greatest fighter aircraft ever created in the history of manned aerial combat. Hats off to the Soviet Engineering Prowess in 60s/70s/80s & the venerable Mikoyan-Gurevich corporation

 

[Kira]

A superb fighter with an excellent legacy in combat for the IAF,but it's reputation sadly tarnished today due to many crashes and the need to serve for additional 2 decades well past it's due date.

 

[GMR]

A superb fighter with an excellent legacy in combat for the IAF,but it's reputation sadly tarnished today due to many crashes and the need to serve for additional 2 decades well past it's due date.

Accidents will happen with any machine if they r stretched beyond a limit, like our IAF did..

 

[Sandeep]

India has made good use of these jets and have prolonged its life expiry date by a long time. We need to start manufacturing the Tejas MK1A jets as quickly as possible and give several licenses to the private sector who can scale up and manufacture more of the jets.

 

[Pink Panther]

Mig-21 put final nails in the coffin of PA in December 1971 by bombing of governor house in Dhaka leading to the unconditional and historic surrender of 94000 soldiers. Similarly Mig-21 ,on 27 February 2019 , put full stop on terrorist accomplice of PA by shooting down PAF F-16. Mig-21 will go down with a proud history.

IAF might keep it for another 10-15 years, who knows HAL might come up with an idea of extending it’s life and making it to Super MIG-21, like Super Jaguar and Super Sukhoi, we never know.

 

[shivkumar sinha]

IAF might keep it for another 10-15 years, who knows HAL might come up with an idea of extending it’s life and making it to Super MIG-21, like Super Jaguar and Super Sukhoi, we never know.

Yes , IAF, HAL and MoD all three have jointly messed up the situation of dwindling fighters squadrons . But now Mig-21 is certainly on its farewell journey. Only hope is now from ramped up production of Tejas mark-1A and upcoming version of Tejas Mark-2 . AMCA is at least a decade away and MRFA is almost a dead project. At the best 36 additional Rafales can be ordered.