New Delhi: Taking note of the recurring incidents of MiG-21 plane crash, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to retire 51 Squadron of the Mig-21 Bison aircraft by September 30 this year. And, the entire fleet of the aircraft will be phased out by 2025.
The 51 squadron of MiG-21 fighter aircraft are famously known for shooting down an F-16 aircraft of the Pakistani air force in post-Balakot air strikes.
The recent fatal crashes of the MiG-21 fighter jets has underlined the need for phasing out the ‘flying coffins’ from the force and rather induct safe & durable aircraft like LCA Tejas.
Several pilots have perished in the MiG-21 crashes took place in different parts of the country. 6 crashes have occurred since January 2021. Yesterday, 2 pilots were killed when a MiG-21 fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan’s Barmer district. Its debris was found scattered over half a km distance in the region.
Some portals citing govt sources said that after Squadron 51 ceases to exist, the Air Force will be left with 3 more squardrons. All of this will be phased out by Year 2025, as one squadron would be retired every year.
The MiG-21 fleet was inducted in the Indian Air Force in early 1960s and in last few decades, there has been more than 200 accidents related to the fighter jets, in which many pilots lost their lives.
The IAF is likely to replace the fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets with other aircrafts like SU-30 & the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The MiG-21 fighter jets were expected to be retired from service, a long time ago but the delay in induction of LCA Tejas aircraft forced the Air Force to continue operations with these planes.
