The MiG 21

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is an fighter aircraft. Also known as Fishbed (NATO name), it was originally built by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It is only second to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules in terms of production.

The production of MiG-21 is also given under license to other countries for their individual configuration. Israeli Aircraft Industries manufactures an upgrade package for the MiG-21 called the MiG-21-2000. In India, the production of the MiG-21b was under license to Hindustan Aeronautics until 1984. Despite a series of crashes during the 1990s, which led to the aircraft acquiring the nickname 'flying coffin', the Indian Air Force decided to upgrade about 128 of the MiG-21 bis in its inventory to the MiG-21 Bison standard, and will be in commission until 2015.

Operational History

The MiG-21 was first introduced for active use in 1959 during the end of the Korean War. It took inspiration from the lessons learnt during the Korean War and incorporated faster and better manoeuvrability in its design. It was the first Soviet fighter with Mach 2 capabilities, had excellent handling, high top speed and was capable of delivering a respectable payload. It was one of the most advanced aircrafts during the 1960’s and 70’s and was flown in more wars than any other plane in the world. The MiG-21 was lighter than other planes and was thus more agile and proved repeatedly to be a formidable dogfighter.

However, radar or hauling capabilities are not the MiG-21’s strongest points. It is primarily a pilot’s plane without latest technologies like computers or fancy navigation equipment. Handling of the plane is totally dependant on the pilot’s skill, training and experience. Many consider this to be the weakest point for a MiG-21 because it is only as good as its pilot's training.

MiG-21 Specifications

Span: 23 ft. 6 in.
Length: 51 ft. 9 in.
Height: 15 ft. 9 in.
Weight: 18,080 lbs. max.
Armament: One NR-30 30mm cannon plus two K-13A air-to-air missiles
Engine: Tumansky R-11F-300 of 12,675 lbs. thrust (with afterburner)
Crew: One

PERFORMANCE (Estimated)

Maximum speed:1,300 mph.
Cruising speed: 550 mph.
Range: 400 miles
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft.

The Future of MiG-21 in the IAF

The Indian Air Force has its fleet of over 175 MiG-21 air crafts. Most of these are out dated and no longer fit for active training and combat purposes. These outdated and ageing aircrafts have been the cause of several crashes resulting in the death of more than 50 IAF pilots.

Given the scenario, the Indian Air force is looking to end its dependence on MiG-21s and also increase its fleet from 42 squadrons to 60 squadrons. Towards this end, the IAF has started exploring the market for new planes with better technology and advance capabilities.

While the U.S. has offered its F-16s and F/A-18 Hornets for sale to India, most IAF officers seem to prefer the MiG-35 and the Mirage 2000-9 over the F-16s and F/A-18 Hornets primarily because India has historically shared a successful relationship with MiG. They have been reliable and open to sharing and transfer of technology, licensed production in India, personnel training, supply of spare parts, maintenance and upgrading. Added to this, Indian pilots familiarity with MiG equipment, will ensure minimal training time and infrastructural and logistical support for maintenance and spares.