Indian Air Force to Retire Final MiG-21 Squadron in September

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing for a significant change, as it prepares to retire its last squadron of the iconic MiG-21 fighter jets. This marks the end of an era for a plane that has been a cornerstone of the IAF's air power for over six decades.

The MiG-21, acquired in March 1963, was the first supersonic aircraft in the IAF inventory. It was inducted as India was building up its military capability after the 1962 India-China war. Over the years, the IAF has inducted over 900 MiG-21s.

The MiG-21 has earned a reputation for its high performance, with the highest landing and take-off speed in the world. However, it has also been known as the 'flying coffin' due to a spate of accidents in which many pilots lost their lives.

The MiG-21 squadron currently operates from Rajasthan's Nal Air Force base and has played a key role in the Indian defense, including being the hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The retirement of the MiG-21 squadron will lower the overall squadron strength of the IAF to a record low of 29.

As the IAF bids farewell to the MiG-21, it is looking to the future. Pakistan is in the process of acquiring similar 5th generation fighter jets, and while India is struggling to maintain its squadron strength, China has already deployed 5th generation fighter jets.

The IAF's efforts to replace the MiG-21 have been hampered by supply constraints. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A, intended to replace the MiG-21 fighter jets, has seen delays due to issues in getting engines from General Electric (GE). The engines for the Tejas LCA Mark 1A are supplied by GE, specifically the GE F404-IN20 engine.

The induction of these engines and aircraft deliveries are expected to progress with engine deliveries continuing through 2025, with HAL scheduled to receive another engine by the end of September 2025 and aiming to roll out 12 Tejas Mk1A jets by December 2025.

In other news, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has cleared Gautam Adani and group entities from allegations made by Hindenburg. This development, while not directly related to the IAF or the MiG-21, is significant in the broader context of India's business landscape.

As the IAF moves forward, it will continue to strive for modernisation and readiness, ensuring that it remains a formidable force in the region. The retirement of the MiG-21 squadron marks the end of an era, but it also signals a new beginning for the IAF as it looks to the future.