Indian Air Force Retires MiG-21 Bison, Signals Fleet Modernization

On October 31, 2023, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a ceremonial flypast over Uttarlai in Rajasthan’s Barmer district to mark the final sortie of its MiG-21 Bison fighter jets. The event, attended by personnel from the tri-services, symbolized the phased retirement of the MiG-21 Bison fleet as part of the IAF’s ongoing modernization efforts.

The IAF plans to retire the remaining MiG-21 Bison aircraft, with around 50 jets still operational across three squadrons, by 2024. The decommissioning paves the way for the induction of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A, part of a strategy to update and enhance the air force’s capabilities. The MiG-21 Squadron, known as “Oorials,” played a significant role in Indian defense for nearly six decades, including during the Indo-Pak conflicts, but safety concerns over its operational history led to the decision to replace the aging jets.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary outlined the IAF’s commitment to retiring the MiG-21 fleet as the service shifts toward the LCA Mark-1A to address the country’s current defense requirements. The MiG-21 jets were first inducted in the 1960s, with approximately 870 units acquired for air defense. However, the model's high accident rate over the years brought scrutiny, earning it a reputation as a “flying coffin.”

As India transitions from the MiG-21 Bison to the more advanced Tejas, this change is part of the IAF's broader goal to modernize its fleet using indigenous aircraft, aiming to enhance national defense capabilities. The information was provided in a press release issued by the Indian Air Force.