Prelims Bits
Context
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to formally retire its final MiG-21 Bison aircraft, ending over 60 years of operational service by the iconic jet.
Overview of MiG-21
- Origin: Developed by the Soviet Union’s Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau.
- Induction in India: Became the first supersonic jet in the IAF fleet in 1963.
- Design: Single-engine, single-seater; capable of both interception and ground-attack roles.
- Top Speed: Up to 2,230 km/h (Mach 2.1).
Variants in India
- Included Type-77, Type-96, MiG-21 BIS, and the modernised MiG-21 Bison.
Combat History
- Actively involved in major conflicts:
- 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan
- Kargil War (1999)
- Noted for its durability and versatility in combat.
Operational Challenges
- Nicknamed the “Flying Coffin” due to frequent crashes and safety concerns in later years.
Fighter Aircrafts in Current IAF Service
| Fighter Jet | Origin | Engine Type | Induction Year |
| Dassault Rafale | France | Twin-engine | 2020 |
| Sukhoi Su-30MKI | Russia | Twin-engine | 2002 |
| HAL Tejas | India | Single-engine | 2016 |
| Mirage 2000 | France | Single-engine | 1985 |
| MiG-29 UPG | Russia | Twin-engine | 1985 (Upgraded) |
| SEPECAT Jaguar | UK–France | Twin-engine | 1979 |
| MiG-21 Bison | Russia | Single-engine | 1963 (Upgraded) |