India Retires Aging MiG-21 Fighter Jets Amid Growing Combat Aircraft Shortage

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to retire its oldest fighter jets—the Soviet-era MiG-21s—at a time when it is already grappling with a critical shortage of combat aircraft. While most MiG-21s had already been phased out, two squadrons remain operational and are scheduled to be formally decommissioned during a ceremony in Chandigarh on September 19.

India’s decision comes in the backdrop of rising concern about fleet strength, with the MiG-21 retirement set to reduce the IAF’s operational squadrons from 31 to just 29—far short of the sanctioned strength of 42.

Legacy of the MiG-21: From Backbone to Liability

First inducted in 1963, India has purchased over 700 MiG-21s in various variants. The aircraft played significant roles in all major conflicts involving India and became symbolic of the country’s air power during the Cold War era.

However, over time, the MiG-21 became synonymous with safety concerns, earning the nickname “Flying Coffin” due to a series of fatal accidents. Aviation analysts report that more than 200 MiG-21s have crashed over the last 62 years, resulting in the deaths of at least 170 pilots.

Pakistan Incident and Delayed Retirement

The MiG-21 gained renewed attention in 2019 when one was shot down by Pakistan in a post-Balakot air skirmish. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the pilot, was captured and later returned to India as a gesture to de-escalate tensions.

Although retirement was initially planned for 2022, delays in the delivery of India’s domestically manufactured Tejas jets forced the IAF to continue flying the outdated MiGs.

India’s Shrinking Air Superiority

The reduction to 29 squadrons will widen the gap between India’s sanctioned and actual air strength, leaving the IAF short by approximately 250 fighter jets. Alarmingly, this puts India’s air power nearly on par with that of Pakistan.

As per defense estimates, Pakistan currently operates 25 fighter squadrons. By the end of the year, India will possess 522 combat aircraft, Pakistan 450, and China approximately 1,200.

Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari recently stated that India needs to procure at least 40 fighter aircraft annually to maintain required strength—an increasingly difficult target under current circumstances.

Delays in Tejas Delivery Compound the Problem

The IAF currently operates 38 Tejas Mk-1 jets. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was expected to deliver 83 improved Mk-1A variants, but production has stalled due to delays in engine supply from U.S.-based General Electric.

HAL also plans to build 108 more advanced Tejas Mk-2 fighters using a new, more powerful GE engine, but this agreement remains at the paperwork stage and is unlikely to materialize soon.

U.S. Promises and Apache Helicopter Deliveries

Recent diplomatic talks between Indian and American officials reportedly resulted in a renewed commitment by the U.S. to accelerate engine deliveries. In the same discussion, the U.S. fast-tracked the supply of delayed Apache assault helicopters—three of which were recently handed over to India, with three more expected shortly.

There is hope that the long-awaited engine shipments for the Tejas Mk-1A will soon begin as well.

Rafale Deal Not Enough

India’s purchase of 36 Rafale jets from France helped temporarily fill the gap left by retiring aircraft. However, an additional 26 Rafale fighters recently procured from France are destined for the Indian Navy, not the Air Force.

In 2018, India issued a tender for 114 fighter jets, which drew responses from eight global manufacturers. Yet the procurement process has since stalled.

Urgent Need for Modernization

Defense expert Rahul Bedi notes that India’s Ministry of Defence is now formulating an urgent action plan to address the crisis. A major concern is the aging fleet of Jaguar fighters—about 110 of which remain in service but are nearing the end of their operational life.

“If replacements aren’t inducted before these retire, the IAF could face a severe capability crunch,” Bedi warns. “India is the only country in the world still flying Jaguars in active combat roles.”

India’s decision to retire its MiG-21s signals the end of an era, but it also exposes a deeper crisis within the Indian Air Force—an acute shortage of modern fighter aircraft. As delays in domestic manufacturing persist and international procurement slows, the pressure to bolster India’s aerial defense grows heavier by the day.