The 4 current squadrons of the outdated single-engine MiG-21s, which had been the primary really supersonic fighters to be inducted by the IAF in 1963 however have been suffering from an alarmingly excessive crash rate in later years, will lastly be retired by 2025.
The phasing out of delta-wing MiG-21s, which lack trendy systems with built-in security mechanisms, has been repeatedly deferred as a result of depleting variety of IAF fighter squadrons and the massive delays in induction of latest fighters, particularly the indigenous Tejas mild fight plane.
The highly-unforgiving and ageing MiG-21s, together with shoddy upkeep, poor high quality control of spares and insufficient training, represent a deadly combine. On Thursday night, Wing Commander M Rana (38) and Flight Lieutenant Advitiya Bal (26) had been killed when their twin-seat MiG-21 Sort 69 coach crashed throughout an evening sortie within the Barmer district of Rajasthan. At the very least six MiG-21s have crashed since January final 12 months, wherein 5 pilots have been killed.
