MiG 21 Fighter Jet: Final Farewell
The MiG 21 fighter jet, after over 60 years of service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), is set for a ceremonial farewell in September.
Service Legacy
- Introduced in 1963, the MiG 21 was India's first supersonic jet, providing a strategic edge in the 1960s and ‘70s.
Current Status
With the MiG 21's retirement, the IAF's combat strength will drop to 29 squadrons, the lowest since the 1960s. During the 1965 war, there were 32 squadrons.
Operational Challenges
- Delay in acquiring new fighter jets like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk1A) has led to life extensions for the MiG 21 fleet.