The MiG-21’s Role in Indian Air Force History

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets, marking the end of an era for an aircraft that has been both celebrated and criticized. Acquired from Russia in 1963, the MiG-21 was initially intended as a high-altitude interceptor to counter threats like the American U-2 spy plane. Over the years, its role expanded significantly, encompassing ground attack, reconnaissance, air defense, and even jet training—a function it was never designed to fulfill.

A Personal Connection and Historical Context

Historian and IAF expert Anchit Gupta shares a personal connection to the MiG-21, recalling how its distinctive roar served as a morning alarm during his childhood at airbases. His father flew the MiG-21 during significant military operations, including Operation Brasstacks in 1986. Gupta emphasizes the emotional bond many pilots have with the aircraft, despite its controversial reputation.

The “Flying Coffin” Controversy

The MiG-21 earned the nickname “flying coffin” due to its high accident rate. Gupta argues that this label is misleading, suggesting that systemic issues in pilot training and aircraft acquisition are more to blame than inherent flaws in the jet itself. The IAF’s rapid expansion from eight squadrons in 1947 to nearly 40 by 1965 led to challenges in acquiring and integrating new aircraft like the MiG-21.

Challenges in Pilot Training

The demanding flight characteristics of the MiG-21 meant that only the most experienced pilots were initially assigned to it. However, as the fleet grew, the gap between basic subsonic trainers and the supersonic MiG-21 widened, leaving young pilots inadequately prepared. The IAF attributed many crashes to “human error,” a term often misunderstood as blaming pilots rather than acknowledging training deficiencies.

Combat Successes Amidst Challenges

Despite its challenges, the MiG-21 boasts a formidable combat record. It played a crucial role in India’s victory during the 1971 war against Pakistan and performed admirably during the Kargil conflict in 1999. In 2019, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman famously downed a Pakistani F-16 while flying a MiG-21 Bison.

The Future Beyond MiG-21

As the IAF prepares for the final flight of the MiG-21 on September 19, questions arise about what will fill its role as an Operational Readiness Platform (ORP) guardian. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is expected to take on this responsibility, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.