A touch of Cold War: India’s MiG-21 upgraded by Russia equal to Pak’s US-made F-16, says analyst

Moscow, March 06: The recent air skirmishes between India and Pakistan looks to rekindle the memory of the Cold War rivalry between the US and erstwhile Soviet Union/Russia.

Days after India's MiG-21 clashes with Pakistan's US-made F-16, editor-in-chief of National Defense magazine Igor Korotchenko said the MiG-21 fighter jets upgraded by Russia have the combat capabilities identical to those of F-16, Russia's TASS news agency reported.

While Pakistan shot down a MiG-21 and captured its pilot only to be set free later, a MiG-21 downed an F-16 though Pakistan did not confirm the news so far.

"The MiG-21, upgraded by Russia has an onboard radar and a wider range of guided air-to-air missiles. By its combat capabilities and flight parameters it is an equal of the F-16 version at the disposal of Pakistan's Air Force," Korotchenko was quoted as saying.

"India's MiG-21-93 fighters, eventually named MiG-21UGP Bison, were upgraded to be equipped with a new radar, wider range of weapons, modern indicators on the windshield, helmet-mounted sights and multifunctional display screens in the cockpit. The coating reduces radar visibility. The plane's life cycle and endurance have been prolonged," the TASS report added.