Tue Aug 05 03:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its MiG-21 fighter jets in September 2025 after over six decades of service. This will reduce the IAF’s fighter strength at a time when China is significantly increasing its air power. The IAF is awaiting the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A to address the shortfall. The MiG-21s, inducted in 1963, played a crucial role in past conflicts but have also been plagued by accidents. The IAF is planning to induct over 600 new jets over the next two decades, including LCA variants, Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), but faces challenges in timely production and deliveries. The IAF is also considering importing a small number of fifth-generation fighters as an interim measure.

**News Article:**

**IAF to Retire MiG-21s Amidst Growing Concerns Over Fighter Squadron Strength**

**Chandigarh, August 5, 2025** – The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to retire its aging fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets in a formal ceremony to be held in Chandigarh this September, marking the end of an era that began in 1963. While the MiG-21s have been a mainstay of the IAF for decades, their retirement will reduce the service’s fighter strength from 31 to 29 squadrons, well below the sanctioned 42.

The move comes at a critical time, with China rapidly modernizing its air force, boasting approximately 1,900 fighters, including over 1,300 fourth-generation aircraft. The IAF is pinning its hopes on the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A to fill the gap, but deliveries have been delayed.

“The MiG-21s have served our nation with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the wars of 1965, 1971, and the Kargil conflict,” said a senior IAF official. “However, the aircraft are now outdated and require replacement.”

The MiG-21s have been involved in over 450 accidents throughout their service life, earning them the unfortunate moniker of “flying coffins”. Despite this, the jets played a vital role in training young pilots and saw action as recently as 2019 when Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG-21 was shot down during an aerial engagement with Pakistan.

The IAF has ambitious plans to induct over 600 new aircraft over the next two decades, including the LCA-Mk1A, LCA-Mk2, Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). However, these plans are contingent on timely production and deliveries, which have been a persistent challenge.

In the interim, the IAF is exploring the possibility of acquiring a small number of fifth-generation fighters from either Russia or the United States.

“We are in sensitive negotiations regarding the potential import of fifth-generation fighters,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. “A decision will be made when we reach a tangible stage.”

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