In a historic ceremony in Rajasthan, the MiG-21 Bison fighter jets of the No. 4 squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) made their final flight in Indian skies, welcoming Sukhoi-30 MKI, on Tuesday, 31 October at Uttarlai, Rajasthan marking the end of their six-decade-long service,
To mark this momentous occasion, the MiG-21 Bison flew in formation with the Su-30 MKI. The ceremony drew attendance from personnel representing all three branches of the armed services.
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The MiG-21 Squadron also known as 'OORIALS,' which has operated the MiG-21 since 1966 has been a steadfast pillar in serving the nation for almost six decades, making crucial contributions during Indo-Pak conflicts.
As per recent statements from IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, there are now only two Mig-21 squadrons remaining, located in Bikaner and Suratgarh in Rajasthan, and they are scheduled to be phased out by 2025. Each squadron typically comprises 16 to 18 fighter planes. Last year, the No. 51 Squadron based in Srinagar was also phased out.
The IAF's plan includes the introduction of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-MK1A. In early October, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced intentions to acquire an additional 97 LCA Mk-1As, it reflects the IAF's modernization efforts.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has the capability to produce 16 LCA Mk-1As annually in Bengaluru, and the establishment of a new production line in Nashik will boost the overall production to 24 jets.
The first LCA Mk-1A is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in February 2024, and the remaining 83 from the order are expected to be received by 2027-28.
Recent MiG-21 crashes have raised safety concerns, drawing attention to the Indian Air Force's plans to replace these aging jets with newer ones in the near future.
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