The Retirement of the IAF's MiG-21 'Workhorse' and the Path Forward
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Defence (Fighter aircraft of IAF - MiG-21, Tejas LCA; Defence Manufacturing - HAL); Science and Technology; Modern Indian History (role of IAF in wars).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Security & S&T): Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate; Security challenges and their management; Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. The issue of IAF's depleting squadron strength and the role of indigenous aircraft like Tejas is a core GS3 topic.
Key Highlights from the News
The Indian Air Force (IAF)'s legendary MiG-21 fighter aircraft is retiring after nearly six decades of service.
The MiG-21, which became part of the force in 1963, was India's first supersonic fighter. It was often called the "workhorse" of the Air Force.
The MiG-21 played a crucial role in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrike.
The manufacturing of these aircraft in India through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) helped enhance the country's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
With the retirement of the MiG-21, the Air Force's squadron strength will decrease to 29. This is a security concern.
To bridge this gap, indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1A aircraft will join the force in the coming years.
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