According to officials, the MiG series fighter aircraft fleet of the Indian Force is scheduled to be replaced by 2017. The replacement will include the upgrading of MiG-21 Bison fighters which are still in use in absolutely all IAF fighter squadrons.The MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter jet that was introduced to the IAF in 1963 and it easily overwhelmed the touted F-104 Starfighter which was provided by the United States. The aircraft came in the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war and since then it has been impressing air forces across the world.
The last time the aircraft proved itself was against the F-15s in simulated war games conducted under the aegis of Cope India. The MiG was operating together with the Su-27 and the tandem proved to be a very formidable foe for the USAF pilots.
The MiG 21 was followed by the MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27 and the MiG-29. Each of these planes played a different role, but one thing is for sure – there are one of the most sophisticated and effective aircraft in the world. These planes are currently 75% of India’s combat fleet. However, the IAF is working on 4+generation fighters which will most likely end the MiG era.
