SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its remaining 26–28 MiG-21 Bison aircraft by the end of 2025, marking the end of an era for the iconic Soviet-era fighter that has served as a backbone of India’s air defense for over five decades. These MiG-21 Bison airframes, which have exceeded their Total Technical Life (TTL), have been retained primarily to maintain numerical squadron strength. However, delays in the delivery of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A, intended to replace the ageing fleet, have complicated the IAF’s modernization plans.
The MiG-21, first inducted into the IAF in the 1960s, has been a cornerstone of India’s air combat capabilities. The Bison variant, an upgraded version featuring improved avionics and weaponry, has been the last operational iteration. Currently, the IAF operates one and a half squadrons of MiG-21 Bison, totaling 26–28 aircraft, based at the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, Rajasthan. These airframes, having surpassed their TTL, are now slated for imminent retirement as part of the IAF’s efforts to modernize its fleet and phase out obsolete platforms.
The decision to retire the MiG-21 Bison comes amid concerns over safety and operational reliability. The aircraft has been involved in numerous accidents over the years, earning the unfortunate moniker of “flying coffin” due to its ageing design and maintenance challenges. The retirement of these aircraft will reduce the IAF’s squadron strength, already at a historic low of around 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.
The IAF had planned to establish its first Tejas Mk1A squadron in July 2024 at Nal Air Force Station, replacing the MiG-21 Bison squadrons. The Tejas Mk1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is an advanced variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) featuring enhanced avionics, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and improved maintainability. The IAF has placed orders for 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft to bolster its fleet and address the shortfall in combat aircraft.
However, delays in the supply of General Electric F404 engines, critical for the Tejas Mk1A, have disrupted HAL’s production timeline. These delays have pushed back the induction of the first squadron, leaving the IAF reliant on the ageing MiG-21s longer than anticipated. HAL is reportedly working to resolve supply chain bottlenecks, but the timeline for operationalizing the Tejas Mk1A remains uncertain, potentially extending into 2026.
The retirement of the MiG-21 Bison without immediate replacements exacerbates the IAF’s squadron strength challenges. The force faces increasing pressure to counter modernizing air forces in the region, particularly with reports of Pakistan planning to induct China’s fifth-generation J-35 fighter jets by the end of 2025. The IAF’s current fleet, comprising fourth-generation fighters like the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, and Mirage 2000, is capable but insufficient in numbers to meet all operational requirements.
To address the immediate shortfall, the IAF is prioritizing the induction of Tejas Mk1A aircraft as soon as production issues are resolved. HAL is also ramping up production capacity to deliver the ordered aircraft, with plans to establish additional Tejas squadrons in the coming years. Additionally, the IAF is upgrading its existing fleet of Su-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 aircraft to maintain combat readiness.
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