Indian Air Force has decided to temporarily ground the MiG-21 Fighter Jets just two weeks after the jet was crashed in Rajasthan in which 3 people were killed and injured the pilot. Indian Air Force has around 50 MiG-21 Aircraft and all of them will be temporarily halted unless given the clearance to fly.
Recent MiG-21 Crashes
Notably, three persons were killed when the MiG-21 jet crashed into a house in Hanumangarh shortly after taking off from the Suratgarh Air Force Station. The fighter jet was on a regular training mission when it crashed. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and an investigation was initiated to determine the actual reason for the incident.
The MiG-21 fleet has been grounded until investigations are completed and the causes of the crash are determined. According to sources familiar with the situation, all MiG-21 aircraft are presently undergoing technical evaluation and tests. They will be allowed to fly only after clearance from the teams in charge of the inspection. MiG-21 aircraft types have been integrated into the Indian Air Force for over five decades and are about to be phased out. The IAF currently operates three MiG-21 squadrons with a total of roughly 50 aircraft, all of which will be phased out by the early part of 2025. The IAF has 31 combat aircraft squadrons, three of which are MiG-21 Bison variants.
Also read: IAF MiG-21 Crashes In Rajasthan; 2 Women, 1 Man Killed
The MiG-21 was adopted by the IAF in the 1960s, and over 800 variants of the fighter have been deployed. The MiG-21’s crash rate has recently been a source of concern, as many aircraft have been involved in accidents. The IAF is also looking at induction of the indigenous aircraft including the TEJAS MK-1A and TEJAS MK-2 along with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
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