IAF Grounds MiG-21 Fighter Aircraft Fleet Following Crash In Rajasthan

Following the crash in Rajasthan earlier this month, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to ground its entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft until investigations are completed and the causes of the incident are determined.

On May 8, a MiG-21 Bison aircraft, airborne from the Suratgarh air base, crashed in a village in Hanumangarh, resulting in the unfortunate loss of three lives.

Senior defense officials informed ANI that the MiG-21 fleet will remain grounded until the investigations are concluded and the reasons behind the crash are ascertained.

Over the past five decades, the Indian Air Force has utilized various versions of the MiG-21 aircraft, but they are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. Currently, only three MiG-21 squadrons remain active in the IAF, and all of them are scheduled to be phased out by early 2025.

The incident occurred during a routine training sortie in Rajasthan, where the jet encountered the accident. The pilot sustained minor injuries. An inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash.

Among the IAF's 31 combat aircraft squadrons, three squadrons consist of the MiG-21 Bison variant. Since its introduction in the 1960s, around 800 different versions of the MiG-21 fighter have been in service with the IAF.

The IAF is currently exploring the induction of advanced indigenous aircraft such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), LCA Mark 1A, and LCA Mark 2, as replacements. These aircraft are being considered to enhance the IAF's capabilities in the future.