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First Post
8 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
After India phases out MiGs, how will the IAF measure up to Pakistan and China?
India is set to phase out its MiG fighter jets, which have been in service for decades, by September. The Indian Air Force will replace the MiGs with its indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). But where does that leave the strength of the IAF? How does it compare to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)? read more India is phasing out its MiG fighter jets by September. The fighter jets, which have been given the ignominious nickname of the 'flying coffins' for their propensity to crash and kill pilots, have been in service for decades. India will replace the MiGs with its indigenously-developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). But where does that leave India's Air Force against China and Pakistan? Let's take a closer look: Indian Air Force The strength of Indian Air Force's active squadrons is set to drop down to just 29 from October. This would mean India is at its lowest number of squadrons since the 1960s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the squadron size can vary depending on the country, it typically ranges from 18 to 24 aircraft. The Indian Air Force currently has 31 squadrons in service. With the MiGs set to retire on September 19 at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, this will bring the number of India's squadrons down to just 29. According to assessments, the Indian Air Force requires 42 squadrons to be at its full strength. India currently has 522 jets. It needs to induct at least 40 fighter jets every year simply to maintain its strength. Unless India keeps inducting new aircraft into its Air Force, its squadron strength will continue to dwindle as old models keep being phased out. At the moment, that seems to be a tall task. India placed an order for 36 Rafale from France, but that hasn't been enough to bolster the ranks of the IAF. India currently has just two Tejas squadrons in service. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A is a 4.5 generation fighter jet. X/@HALHQBLR Meanwhile, an order it placed for 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft has been beset by delays and missed deadlines from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Not a single craft has been inducted into service. However, to be fair, this is due to General Electric, which is making F-404IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk-1A craft, has been unable to meet its deadline. GE has said this is due to supply chain issues. Another reason for the delay is that the Kaveri engine that was expected to power the LCA remains under development. India is currently developing a 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. However, this could take years if not a decade before being inducted. Experts say a healthy mix of different aircraft is needed. Aerospace and defence expert Pushan Das told The Telegraph Online, 'As the IAF's combat squadrons continue on its downward slide in numbers. It seems intuitive that India must consider a broader range of options better suited for its combat requirements. One potential option is acquiring an additional mix of technologically up-to-date Rafales and accelerating the production and induction of the indigenous Tejas with requisite enablers such as air refuelling capabilities and Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&C), although there are certainly other options as well.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The air forces of Pakistan and China Pakistan has 25 squadrons in its air force with around 450 fighter jets. Islamabad is also reportedly looking to expand and modernise the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). There are also reports that it is looking to purchase a few dozen J-35 fighter jets from China in a bid to try to gain parity with Indian air superiority. China, on the other hand, has a whopping 66 squadrons and a massive 1,200 fighter jets in its People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). At this rate, India will be completely outmatched when it comes to the sheer weight in numbers of both air forces. China has already inducted two fifth-generation fighters into the ranks of its air force. The J-36 is thought to be China's attempt at a sixth-generation fighter plane. Image courtesy: X India's Tejas LCA Mark-1A is at best a 4.5 generation fighter. China is also locked in a race with the United States to develop a 6th generation fighter aircraft. The US is building the F-47, while China is developing the J-36. While the details of both remain closely-guarded, videos of the J-36 went viral on social media in China in April. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US currently has the F-35 – which remains the most advanced fighter jet even built – as the mainstay of its air force. Why it matters India needs to be on its guard. After all, it has fought multiple wars with both Pakistan and China. The two neighbours, who have professed to be 'iron brothers' and 'all-weather friends', worked together during Operation Sindoor. However, it must be noted that the quality of the Chinese-made equipment and aircraft used by Pakistan came under scrutiny due to its poor performance. Still, at the end of the day, when it comes to aerial firepower, it remains a number's game. India will not want to find itself completely outnumbered in the sky in case a conflict breaks out. And fighting a battle on two fronts would be far harder than a single-front conflict. With inputs from agencies
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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
The story of Tejas Mk-1A that will replace IAF's MiG-21s set to phase out in September
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is ready to bid adieu to its MiG-21 fighter jets after over 60 years of service. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A aircraft will replace the ageing planes. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the new version of Tejas is an indigenous 4.5 generation, multi-role combat aircraft powered by the American GE F404 engine read more India is retiring its MiG-21 fighter jets after 62 years of service. These aircraft are being replaced by the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to phase out MiG-21s by September this year and replace them with the indigenously developed newer Tejas fighter jets. Currently, there are only two MiG-21 squadrons – 36 warplanes – in operation, both at the Nal Air Base in Rajasthan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's a look at the Tejas fighter jets replacing India's longest-serving fighter plane. MiG-21s to fly no more First inducted in 1963, MiG-21 is a single-engine, single-seater multi-role fighter/ground attack aircraft. Designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet Union, the fighter jet bolstered the Indian Air Force over the years. It was deployed during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, 1999 Kargil War and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. MiG-21 was also used during the 2019 Balakot air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. The then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, piloting a MiG-21, had shot down a F-16 fighter jet of Pakistan during an aerial combat. An Indian Air Force MIG-21 aircraft Dornier flies during the inaugural day of the five-day Aero India 2019 airshow at the Yelahanka Air Force station, in Bangalore on February 20, 2019. File Photo/AFP While MiG-21 was the IAF's backbone, it came to be infamously known as 'widow-maker' or the 'flying coffin' due to several crashes over its decades of service. About 500 MiG-21s have crashed in the last 60 years, resulting in the death of 170 pilots, as per government data. Over 20 aircraft have crashed since 2010. Now, the IAF will phase out its ageing MiG-21s that remain in service. 'Indian Air Force to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jet by September this year. The squadrons operating the aircraft are currently in Nal air base in Rajasthan. The LCA Mark 1A aircraft would be replacing the MiG-21s in the IAF,' a defence official was quoted as saying by ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tejas Mk-1A to boost India's defence The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A is an indigenous 4.5 generation, all-weather and multi-role combat aircraft. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), these fighter jets are designed for deployment in high-threat aerial environments. The Tejas Mk-1A has several upgrades over the Tejas Mk-1 version, including Israel EL/M-2025 AESA Radar, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite with a jammer, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities. A homemade digital fly-by-wire flight control computer has been integrated into the Tejas jet. These fly-by-wire systems replace mechanical flight controls in an aircraft with an electronic interface. 'In a significant development towards Tejas Mk1A programme, the digital fly-by-wire flight control computer (DFCC) was integrated into prototype LSP7 and successfully flown on February 19,' the defence ministry said earlier. The combat aircraft has about nine hard points to carry different types of weapons, including the Israeli-built Derby missiles and the indigenous ASTRA missile. 'The Tejas Mk1A will have an advanced electronic RADAR, warfare and communication systems, additional combat capability and improved maintenance features,' according to HAL. The aircraft is capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In February 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for procuring 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. It said it is also in the process of procuring 97 more of these warplanes for around Rs 67,000 crore. However, the delay in the delivery of Tejas MK-1A has frustrated the air force. Even Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flagged the issue. In August 2021, HAL placed an order with America's GE Aerospace for 99 F404 engines worth Rs 5,375 crore to power the Tejas Mk-1A. The first of these jet engines finally delivered to HAL in April, after a delay of over a year. The US company is running behind schedule to provide the engines for the Tejas fighter jets by two years. 'We are working with our partner HAL and suppliers to resolve constraints and deliver F404-IN20 engines for the LCA Mk1 programme,' GE Aerospace said, as per Financial Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Twelve Tejas Mk-1A are expected to be rolled out this year. The US firm will deliver 10 engines by the end of 2025. 'It takes about a month to integrate the engines and do the tests. The process first involves building the fuselage, then getting the lobing and piping done, followed by combining the landing gear,' a government official told Indian Express. 'After integrating the engines, the ground runs, including the high-speed runs, are carried out for all thorough checks,' the official added. The IAF is counting on the advanced Tejas jets as the number of its fighter squadrons has plunged to 31 from an official sanctioned strength of 42. With inputs from agencies
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
IAF to phase out 'flying coffins' MiG 21, replace with Tejas
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force will be phasing out its MiG 21 fighter jet aircraft by September 2025, and replace them with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A, defence officials said on Tuesday. First inducted in 1963, these jets will be retired after 62 years of service with the indigenously developed Tejas aircraft replacing them in all the current squadrons. The squadrons operating the MiG 21 plane are currently in Rajasthan's Nal Air Force base. The MiG 21 is also called the 'flying coffin' for the 400 crashes killing 200 pilots. "Indian Air Force to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jet by September this year. The squadrons operating the aircraft are currently in Nal air base in Rajasthan. The LCA Mark 1A aircraft would be replacing the MiG-21s in the IAF," a defence official said. The MiG 21 is India's first ever supersonic jet, acquired as part of a deal with the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1963. The aircraft has had limited use in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, but was subsequently used multiple military conflicts since, including the 1999 Kargil War, 1971 Bangladesh Liberation the aircraft was also used during the 2019 Balakot airstrike against terrorist camps in Pakistan. During the operation, one MiG 21 was downed, leading to the capture of Wing Commander Abhinadnan. The present Air Force Chief of Air Staff, AP Singh, also flew the MiG 21 aircraft fighter jet has also been the mainstay of Air Force operations. However, the aircraft has been unofficially dubbed as the 'flying coffin' due to the various accidents with it. In October 2023, Number 4 Squadron, known as "Oorials" of the IAF based at Air Force Station Uttarlai (Barmer), Rajasthan, decommissioned their MiG 21 and Su-30 MKI, marking a watershed moment in the history of the squadron, which had been operating the MiG-21 since 1966. Earlier on July 17 2025, The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were handed over the first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro, according to an official statement from the Ministry of (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar attended the event virtually as General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) M Abdul Salam received the assemblies on behalf of HAL from Precision Manufacturing & Systems Complex unit of L&T.
Malaysia Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Air Force to phase out MiG-21 fighter jets by September 2025, will be replaced by Tejas Mk1A: Defence officials
New Delhi [India], July 22 (ANI): The Indian Air Force will be phasing out phasing out its MiG 21 fighter jet aircraft by September 2025, and replace them with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A, defence officials said on Tuesday. First inducted in 1963, these jets will be retired after 62 years of service with the indigenously developed Tejas aircraft replacing them in all the current squadrons. The squadrons operating the MiG 21 plane are currently in Rajasthan's Nal Air Force base. 'Indian Air Force to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jet by September this year. The squadrons operating the aircraft are currently in Nal air base in Rajasthan. The LCA Mark 1A aircraft would be replacing the MiG-21s in the IAF,' a defence official said. The MiG 21 is India's first ever supersonic jet, acquired as part of a deal with the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1963. The aircraft has had limited use in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, but was subsequently used multiple military conflicts since, including the 1999 Kargil War, 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Notably, the aircraft was also used during the 2019 Balakot airstrike against terrorist camps in Pakistan. During the operation, one MiG 21 was downed, leading to the capture of Wing Commander Abhinadnan. The present Air Force Chief of Air Staff, AP Singh, also flew the MiG 21 aircraft recently. The fighter jet has also been the mainstay of Air Force operations. However, the aircraft has been unofficially dubbed as the 'flying coffin' due to the various accidents with it. In October 2023, Number 4 Squadron, known as 'Oorials' of the IAF based at Air Force Station Uttarlai (Barmer), Rajasthan, decommissioned their MiG 21 and Su-30 MKI, marking a watershed moment in the history of the squadron, which had been operating the MiG-21 since 1966. Earlier on July 17 2025, The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were handed over the first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence. Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar attended the event virtually as General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) M Abdul Salam received the assemblies on behalf of HAL from Precision Manufacturing & Systems Complex unit of L&T. In his address, the Secretary (Defence Production) commended the efforts of HAL and L&T towards achieving self-reliance. He hailed HAL for spearheading collaboration with different private sector partners, nurturing them and ensuring enhanced capability. He expressed confidence in meeting the requirement of the production target for LCA Tejas. He called for expanding horizons and focusing on reducing dependency on other countries. (ANI)
Mint
2 days ago
- General
- Mint
MiG 21 fighter jets to retire after 62 years of service, Tejas Mk1A to takeover
The Defence officials said on Tuesday, July 22, said that the Indian Air Force will be phasing out its MiG 21 fighter jet aircraft by September 2025 after 62 years of service. They also said that they will be replaced with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A. The squadrons operating the MiG 21 plane are currently in Rajasthan's Nal Air Force base. A defence official said, 'Indian Air Force to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jet by September this year. The squadrons operating the aircraft are currently in Nal air base in Rajasthan. The LCA Mark 1A aircraft would be replacing the MiG-21s in the IAF.' In October 2023, Number 4 Squadron, known as "Oorials" of the IAF based at Air Force Station Uttarlai (Barmer), Rajasthan, decommissioned their MiG 21 and Su-30 MKI, marking a watershed moment in the history of the squadron, which had been operating the MiG-21 since 1966. Earlier in July 2025, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were handed over the first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence. Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar attended the event virtually as General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) M Abdul Salam received the assemblies on behalf of HAL from Precision Manufacturing & Systems Complex unit of L&T.
