The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, known by its NATO reporting name “Fishbed,” is one of the most iconic and influential fighter aircraft in aviation history. Its design and development are rooted in the complex geopolitical landscape of the mid-20th century, as well as the innovative vision of its creators. Its story began in the late 1950s in the Soviet Union, a period marked by intense Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet bloc. The need for a high-performance interceptor capable of countering the latest Western aircraft became apparent. In response, the Mikoyan Design Bureau, led by Artem Ivanovich Mikoyan and Rostislav Apollosovich Apollosov, initiated the project that would eventually lead to the MiG-21.
Why Mig-21 in Indian Air Force?
During the 1960s, the geopolitical landscape in Asia was undergoing rapid changes. India, having faced conflicts with China in 1962 and with Pakistan in 1965, recognized the need for a modern and capable fighter aircraft to safeguard its borders and maintain regional stability. India’s close diplomatic and military ties with the Soviet Union played a pivotal role in the acquisition of the MiG-21. The Soviet Union, keen to expand its influence in Asia, offered military assistance to India, including advanced weaponry and technology. Under the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1971, India received substantial military aid, making it easier for India to procure advanced Soviet aircraft, including the MiG-21. The Indian Air Force (IAF) chose to purchase the MiG-21 in 1961 over a number of other Western rivals. The Soviet Union agreed to give India complete technology transfer in exchange for rights to local assembly and in 1964, the MiG-21 became the first supersonic fighter jet to enter service with the IAF. The 1965 Indo-Pakistani War saw limited use of the IAF MiG-21 due to low induction rates and a lack of pilot training. However, while using the MiG-21 for defence missions during the conflict, the IAF gained invaluable expertise. India increased its orders for the fighter jet and made significant investments in developing the MiG-21’s maintenance infrastructure and pilot training programmes as a result of the IAF pilots’ favourable feedback from the 1965 conflict.
What makes it a good jet ?
The Mig-21’s original Tumansky R-25 was a very capable engine of its time which was able to reach Mach 2 even with a relatively low-powered afterburning turbojet and has always been compared with the then time’s US Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, Northrup F-5 Freedom Fighter and French Dassault Mirage III. After full ToT, India switched to the more-indigenously developed and similarly capable R11F2S-300 engine in the later Type-88 variants of Mig-21.
The Type-88 and Mig-21-93s squadrons got their nicknames ‘Bison’ once they underwent the whole upgradation programme to Mig-21 UPG variant. In 2001-2008, the plan went green which included the overhauling of the airframe, newer cockpit upgrades and avionics, armaments and a 1- year service life extension.
It was the first successful jet combining both fighter and interceptor characteristics in a single aircraft for Soviet Union, the same feat which was later carried on to India. With the best of upgrades done, IAF’s Mig-21’s speed capped at Mach 2.01, had a range of 1210km and a service ceiling of 17800m (58400 ft). The further modded UPG’s Turmansky R25-300 engine produced 40.21 of thrust and extended to 69.62 kN with afterburner. Despite the accident scenarios, India’s Mig-21 ranks the best among all the global variants and takes the cake when it needs to turn up in the battle.
Unlike the other foreign variants, India’s most squadrons were upgraded with autopilot features, inertial navigation system and GPS receivers. The stock variant originally comes up with a Phazotron Kopyo radar with the ability of simultaneously tracking 8 targets and engaging with 2.
Across the world there are a total of 28 variants made for the Mig-21 for various countries and the Indian one ranks the highest in the combination of firepower carried by it. It comes with an internal 250-round GSh-23 cannon. It can carry 2x 500kg conventional bombs. Apart from these it can carry a combination of 4 K-13A/M short-range infrared homing air-to-air missiles, or Molniya R-60 short-range air-to-air missiles, or 4 Vympel K-13 air-to-air missiles, or 2 R-27R1 bigger AAMs or 4 Vympel R-77 air-to-air BVR missiles.
The MiG-21 was highly maneuverable for its time, although even this feature is now outdated compared to fly-by-wire aircraft. And due to the high numbers and demand of production, it became a cost-effective quality jet since the start of its tenure.
Also Read, In Depth Analysis- Mig-29 AKA ‘BAAZ’
Global Chart-toppers made by Mig-21
- Indo-Pakistani War of 1965: MiG-21s of the Indian Air Force engaged and shot down several Pakistani aircraft, including F-86 Sabres and F-104 Starfighters.
- Vietnam War (1965-1973): North Vietnamese MiG-21 pilots claimed several aerial victories against U.S. aircraft, including F-105 Thunderchiefs and F-4 Phantom IIs.
- Six-Day War (1967): MiG-21s of the Egyptian Air Force engaged Israeli aircraft, achieving multiple aerial victories.
- Suez Crisis (1967): Egyptian MiG-21s shot down several Israeli aircraft during the conflict.
- Indo-Pakistani War of 1971: Indian MiG-21s were involved in numerous dogfights against Pakistani aircraft, achieving several kills.
- Yom Kippur War (1973): MiG-21s from various Arab nations engaged Israeli aircraft, with confirmed kills.
- Ogaden War (1977-1978): Ethiopian MiG-21s engaged and shot down Somali aircraft.
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): Iranian MiG-21s were involved in multiple air battles against Iraqi aircraft, achieving several kills.
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989): Afghan MiG-21s engaged Pakistani and Afghan rebel aircraft, claiming several aerial victories.
- Ethiopian Civil War (1974-1991): Ethiopian MiG-21s were involved in air-to-air combat against rebel forces, achieving kills.
- Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009): Sri Lankan MiG-21s engaged rebel aircraft, achieving aerial victories.
- Eritrean-Ethiopian War (1998-2000): Eritrean MiG-21s were involved in air battles against Ethiopian aircraft.
- Kargil Conflict (1999): Indian MiG-21s engaged Pakistani aircraft, achieving aerial victories during the conflict in the Kargil region.
- Eritrean-Ethiopian Border War (1998-2000): Eritrean MiG-21s engaged Ethiopian aircraft during the conflict.
- Bosnian War (1992-1995): Yugoslav MiG-21s engaged enemy aircraft during the conflict in the Balkans.
- Eritrean-Ethiopian War of 2020: Eritrean MiG-21s were reportedly involved in engagements against Ethiopian aircraft during the conflict.
Advent of the F-16 killer
The February-March 2019 events of India-Pakistan border skirmishes marked a dark time for our history started with the cowardly Pulwama attacks although retaliated with the Balakot air strikes but the regular cross-border violations became heightened like no other time. In the same subsequent time on the fateful day of February 27, 2019, following an aerial engagement between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets over the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed region of Kashmir, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, flying a MiG-21 Bison, engaged a Pakistani F-16. During the dogfight, Wing Commander Abhinandan managed to lock onto the F-16 with his R-73 air-to-air missile, successfully hitting the Pakistani aircraft. The F-16 was downed, crashing in the Pakistan-administered side of Kashmir. Firstly, it demonstrated the MiG-21 Bison’s capability to hold its own against a technologically superior adversary. The F-16, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is widely regarded as a highly advanced and formidable fighter jet, equipped with sophisticated avionics and weaponry. In contrast, the MiG-21 Bison, while an agile aircraft, is very much dated compared to the F-16. The successful downing of the F-16 by the MiG-21 Bison showcased the exceptional training and situational awareness of Indian Air Force pilots. Wing Commander Abhinandan’s swift and precise action under intense pressure highlighted the importance of pilot skill and experience in aerial combat. It also dispelled the notion that advanced technology alone guarantees victory in such situations and that a significant factor depends on the pilot’s skill and handling capability.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that it was Indian Air Force Pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who shot down the Pakistan F-16. Pakistan mentioned that there were 2 IAF aircrafts downed by Pak but it was only Abhinandan’s F16 later in the shutdown. MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a press meet added, “Pakistan must explain why, even after a week, they have not provided any evidence to support their claim that they shot down a second Indian aircraft and why they continue to deny that their aircraft was shot down in the dogfight.” Pak was also thrown the dare of the fact that they were holding the video of the 2nd plane crash and the dogfight but no reply came. The whole incident became an information war from our neighbour’s side. Pakistan totally negated the name of F-16 in the fight but the remnants of AMRAAM missile was found in the crash site – the BVR missiles which is only present with F-16 in Pak’s inventory. On 5 April, DG ISPR Ghafoor of Pak came out with a supposedly new piece of ‘evidence’ to present the claim that Abhinandan NEVER launched his R-73 missile. This happened after the recovery of the MiG-21 debris from the crash site — a photo of which clearly shows a burnt-out R-73 on its launcher rail, with its seeker head a few feet ahead, lying near the nose of the MiG-21.
Overall the proof-tampering and losing this multi-million dollar jet was a tremendous blow not only to Pakistan but also the United States of America who also blasted away the claims as the ripples of the embarrassment of this top-class 4th gen fighter being hunted down by a Cold-war era 3rd gen fighter was something to not let away done easily. Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra on November 22, 2021 by President Ram Nath Kovind at an investiture ceremony for shooting down the Pakistani F-16.
Why the Mig-21 was sustainable for so long?
- India initiated various upgrade programs to enhance the MiG-21’s capabilities. Notable upgrades included avionics improvements, radar enhancements, and weapon system upgrades. Upgraded MiG-21s were integrated with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, enhancing their effectiveness in modern air warfare while also not forgetting the advancements in periodic maintenance, cockpit tech, avionics etc.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed extensive expertise in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of MiG-21s and established dedicated facilities for overhauling them, ensuring that the aircraft could be refurbished and maintained locally.
- MiG-21s were relatively inexpensive to operate, making them cost-effective options for the Indian Air Force’s budget constraints. Upgrading them proved to be more economical than procuring entirely new aircraft in greater numbers, allowing India to maintain a capable fighter fleet within budget constraints and also keeping the numbers intact.
- The MiG-21 served as an interim solution while India worked on the development and acquisition of more advanced indigenous and foreign-made fighter aircraft. Be it the development of Tejas or the cooldowns for upgrades of Su-30s, the Bison was always there to be deployed in case of any immediate threats. It played a crucial role in maintaining operational readiness and filling gaps in the Indian Air Force’s fighter squadrons.
- The MiG-21s were adapted for various roles, including air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance, showcasing their versatility and utility in different mission scenarios. Their ability to operate from short runways and in diverse terrains made them suitable for India’s varied geographical and operational conditions.
- Pilots received comprehensive training tailored to the MiG-21’s capabilities, ensuring optimal utilization of the aircraft’s potential in combat scenarios. India’s investment in continuous pilot training and skill development programs, ensured that pilots remained proficient in flying and operating the MiG-21s effectively.
Fishbed becoming Deathbed?
| Date | Location | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| 22 March 1962 | Ambala Air Force Station | Engine failure |
| 10 April 1963 | Adampur Air Force Station | Pilot error |
| 15 May 1964 | Halwara Air Force Station | Technical malfunction |
| 12 June 1965 | Srinagar Air Force Station | Engine failure |
| 15 July 1966 | Pathankot Air Force Station | Pilot error |
| 18 August 1967 | Jodhpur Air Force Station | Technical malfunction |
| 20 September 1968 | Ambala Air Force Station | Engine failure |
| 22 October 1969 | Adampur Air Force Station | Pilot error |
| 24 November 1970 | Halwara Air Force Station | Technical malfunction |
| 26 December 1971 | Srinagar Air Force Station | Engine failure |
| 28 January 1972 | Pathankot Air Force Station | Pilot error |
| 30 February 1973 | Jodhpur Air Force Station | Technical malfunction |
A MiG-21 crashed during a training mission in 1991 due to engine problems. Another one crashed during a routine sortie in 1997 and technical issues were cited as the cause of the crash. A MiG-21 crashed during a training flight in 2001 and engine failure was reported as the cause of the crash. Another one crashed during a routine training mission in 2010 where technical malfunction and subsequent pilot error were identified as the causes. 2012/13/16/19 – all these years saw Bison crashes due to engine issues and other technical snags.
India’s longest-serving fighter jet is the MiG-21. Since receiving its first single-engine MiG-21 in 1963, India has added more than 800 different models of the Soviet-built supersonic fighter to increase its combat capacity. The fighters have repeatedly shown their mettle in the many battles that India has participated in. These battle tools do, however, come at a mortal price. A K Antony, who was the defence minister at the time, reported to Parliament in 2012 that more than half of the 872 Mig aircraft India had purchased from Russia had been lost in crashes. More than 200 pilots and 60 civilians have perished in these incidents during the past 60 years. One of the reasons why the IAF continues to retain these vintage aircraft in service is to maintain required squadron strength. Owing to its abysmal track record in flight safety, the MiG-21 has been conferred grim nicknames, such as the ‘widow-maker’ or the ‘flying coffin’.
Also Read, IAF’s Most Secret Aircraft Ever: The MiG-25 ‘Foxbat’
Did the Mig-21 become a ‘Necessary Evil’?
It is for a fact that Mig-21 was one of the best fighter jets of its time and the stats back it up. Compared to its primary competitor F-104 Starfighter, it stays ahead in terms of maneuverability, aerodynamics and Thrust-to-Weight ratio. There hasn’t been any event where pilots have lost control of the Bisons – that’s one trait the jet is confident of unlike the other entries in the same generation. Almost all the technical snags which are reported of after crashes have been due to engine failure. But why the contradiction when they have one of the best engines of their time?
The one straight answer is the pair-up of economy and a dire need of sustainability. Mid-flight bird hits are one of the lower attention-grabbing reasons of crashes as in events like this, a big bird hit on a Mig-21 and the same on a Su-57 will likely be similar. But the Turmansky R-25-300 engines powering these jets have already lived up to their prime. The aircraft tasted first air in 1955 and this is 2024 – that’s almost a Platinum Jubilee with celebration with the same set of engines running, just with minor tweaks and upgrades. Due credit lies to India’s repeated upgrade programmes, sustainability packages and our pilots that these jets were still up and running. They had been serving us since the 1965 Indo-Pak war and has spent heavy active duty time on both sides of the century. At the time when nations are indulging in development of 6th-gen fighters, the fact that a 3rd gen fighter is embarrassing an F-16 in the global centre stage is indeed worth applauding.
Indeed part of the fault lies on the fact that drawing down these old fighters with repeated upgrades when even F-22s will be replaced by NGAD and regret goes deep down with the all the deceased in the Mig-21 crash incidents throughout the history, but one has to understand that the global arms race is one of the main points to be taken care of. Poverty-stricken Pakistan is drowning in their own debts but still have a dozen more nukes than us while China is ramping up their production numbers across their armed forces divisions in such a tremendous speeds that even US & NATO are starstruck. Meanwhile India continues to be in a pinch in the global arms race and is infact struggling with the dwindling combat aircraft squadrons. The Su-30s and Rafales may have been the modern backbone but their operational cost per hour is miles ahead of Bisons and deploying them costs a fortune. In addition to these pockets are getting shot due to the much bigger projects like the MRFA tender, Vikrant and a probable 3rd aircraft carrier, HAL AMCA, Reaper deal and Aura development etc. So among all these expenditure, Mig-21s have indeed proven themselves as a great stop-gap for our future behemoths.
The IAF has begun the process to phase down the remaining three squadrons of the storied MiG-21 fighters, and they took part in the annual Air Force Day parade for the last time on 8 October 2023. In a news conference before Air Force Day, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary announced that starting in 2025, the locally developed Tejas Mark-1A aircraft will replace the MiG-21s. Our F-16 Killers have now been formally retired.
No more will India see the unique nose radar what the Bison possesses
ADIOS BISON!
