The iconic MiG-21 jets of Russian origin will make their final appearance at the upcoming Air Force Day parade on October 8. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is in the process of phasing out the remaining three squadrons of these legendary aircraft.
Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary, the Chief of Air Staff, announced that the Tejas Mark-1A aircraft, developed indigenously, will replace the MiG-21s starting from 2025. A contract to procure 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft at a cost of around Rs 1.15 lakh crore is in the final stages.
Currently, the IAF operates three MiG-21 squadrons, with plans to phase them out by next year. The MiG-21s will participate in the Air Force Day parade for the last time this year.
The MiG-21s have been a part of the IAF since the 1960s, although they have faced safety concerns over the years. The transition to Tejas Mark-1A is expected to bridge the gap left by the retiring MiG-21s.
This historic event is a moment to reflect on the IAF’s heritage and reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.
