SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has unveiled its 2025 calendar, which marks a poignant narrative in its history. This year’s calendar begins with the pride of modern Indian aerospace, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, and concludes with the legendary MiG-21 Bison, hinting at what might be the final year of service for the iconic Soviet-era jet. This layout not only celebrates the past but also heralds the future of Indian air defense.
The calendar opens with images of the Tejas, India’s first home-grown fighter jet, which symbolizes the country’s strides towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), represents a leap in technology and capability, with versions like the Mk1A promising to integrate advanced avionics, radar systems, and weaponry. The inclusion of Tejas at the forefront of the 2025 calendar is a testament to India’s growing prowess in aerospace engineering and its commitment to modernizing the IAF’s fleet.
Contrasting with the new beginnings symbolised by Tejas, the calendar closes with the MiG-21 Bison, a jet that has been a cornerstone of the IAF for over six decades. Introduced in 1963, the MiG-21 has seen numerous upgrades and has been involved in all major conflicts India has faced since its induction. The Bison variant, with its enhanced avionics and combat capabilities, has been the last in service, known for its role in the 1999 Kargil conflict and the Post 2019 Balakot air skirmish
The choice to end the calendar with the MiG-21 Bison in 2025 is symbolic, as it likely signals the phasing out of this aircraft from active IAF service. Various sources have confirmed that the IAF aims to retire all remaining MiG-21 squadrons by this year, aligning with the increase in production and delivery of the Tejas Mk1A. This transition is not just about replacing old with new but is a significant step towards modernizing the IAF’s capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and enhancing indigenous defense manufacturing.