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Manufactured in India by HAL, the MiG-21 bolstered the Indian Air Force and advanced the nation’s technological self-reliance, becoming a symbol of India’s military strength
The MiG 21’s simplicity, power, and affordability earned it a legendary status within the Indian Air Force. (PTI/File)
After 62 years of service, the Indian Air Force’s first supersonic fighter, the MiG-21, retired in Chandigarh on Friday. Back in the 1960s, tensions with Pakistan were high, and following the 1962 war, both armies stayed on alert. The IAF then sought a supersonic jet to deliver a decisive response and bolster India’s military strength.
A crucial twist emerged when the United States offered Pakistan the F-104 Starfighter, posing a significant challenge for Indian military strategists. The pressing question became which jet India should select, one that was both powerful as well as cost-effective.
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India weighed three options: the American F-104 Starfighter, the French Mirage, and the Soviet Union’s MiG-21.
However, India stipulated that any deal must include technology transfer, with assembly and subsequent production taking place within the country.
The United States, prioritising its relationship with Pakistan, showed little interest in an F-104 deal with India. Similarly, France was hesitant to share its Mirage technology. In contrast, the Soviet Union supported India, leading to the finalisation of the MiG-21 deal. This agreement allowed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to obtain a license to manufacture the MiG-21, proving to be a game-changer for India.
MiG-21 Gains Recognition As A Key Fighter Aircraft
The MiG-21 was no ordinary fighter jet; its design was simple, reliable, and cost-effective. It was significantly cheaper than Western supersonic jets, yet its performance was unmatched. High speed, rapid altitude gain, and agile flight made the MiG-21 a formidable interceptor. Its ability to swiftly catch enemy aircraft and establish air dominance became its hallmark, making it a favourite of the Indian Air Force.
America’s F-104 Earned The Nickname ‘Widowmaker’
By opting for the MiG-21, India made a strategic choice and sidestepped America’s pitfalls. The F-104 Starfighter, which it touted as a “game-changer,” earned the grim nickname “Widowmaker” due to its high crash rate. In Germany, the F-104 claimed the lives of over 300 pilots. India made the right choice at the right time, avoiding similar potential losses.
First Flight Of The MiG-21
India’s MiG-21, first took to Indian skies in 1963. In April of that year, six MiG-21 fighter jets arrived in Chandigarh from the Soviet Union, via Mumbai, in separate parts. Soviet engineers assembled the jets in Chandigarh while Soviet pilots trained their Indian counterparts. The MiG-21 subsequently transformed the Indian Air Force, giving the enemy a tough fight in the 1965 and 1971 wars, and demonstrating its strength during the Kargil War, leading to the enemy’s defeat.
A Key Asset Of The Indian Air Force
More than just a fighter jet, the MiG-21 became a symbol of India’s military prowess. Manufactured in India by HAL, it strengthened the Air Force and contributed to the country’s technological self-reliance. Its simplicity, power, and affordability earned it a legendary status within the Indian Air Force.
September 26, 2025, 14:42 IST
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