Why Is MiG 21 Still in the Sky?

MiG-21s should have been retired a long time ago. However, due to significant delays in the induction of new fighters, particularly the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), the IAF still operates four MiG-21 squadrons (each with 16-18 jets) after upgrading them to 'Bison' standards.
Although the aircraft serves as the force's backbone in some ways, it is also prone to accidents, earning it the moniker "widow-maker" or "flying coffin."
the absence of any more fighter jets in the Indian Air Force for a long time is also one of the reasons for the accident

[one-metallica]

If you can have a fighter jet that is easy to fly, easy to maintain, Mach2 capable, has a good combat record and is very maneuverable there’s really no reason to retire it. Yes the MIG21 design is old, but not every country can afford the high tech fighter jets you see today and it’s one of those Soviet era weapons that doesn’t seem to disappear anytime soon like the Ak47 or the T55 tank.

[JRCarReviews]

Croatia still uses Mig-21 but those will be retired after all French Rafale are delivered and operational. We have 6/12 at this time. FYI the Croatian MIG-21 has been modernized by NATO standards. This is a good opportunity for India to acquire them as they are better than theirs, and equipped with radar and ejection seats!

[automationvesta]

The problem of delays continue. We have new air craft carrier Vikrant but with old planes. We are going to sacrifice a few more pilots and planes before Navy wakes up to shortage. Vikrant was being built for last 13 years but Navy made no effort to procure new aircraft.

[rishikeshdora]

It's not the jet problem, they are just too old

[ragibsen]

Politicians can change their cars in 2 years and buy new ones but sons of the land is forced to fly vintage jets. Politicians should travel by 1960 cars only and it should be if they are patriotic.

[samyn]

India should concentrate more on drone technology and devlope as quickly as possible which is also cheap compare to aircrsfts.

[BSingh-bvpw]

Mig-21 is among the best fighter air crafts of it's time. IAF has been operating this jet in bigger number. IAF Fighter Pilots have been practicing more with Mig-21 than any other fighter jet. Number Mig-21's sorties have always been higher than any other available fighter jet in IAF. When number of sorties of this fighter jet is very higher, then obviously chances of it's crash are also higher. It's necessary to practice intensely with fighter air crafts to improve combat abilities in the air.
We can't deny it's very old technology but higher number of sorties is also a main reason behind it's higher number of crashes. To avoid crashes, we can't reduce practice sorties. Regular intense practice is must to maintain higher level of air combat readiness.
No doubt Mig-21 needs to be phased out from service but our air force is severely suffering from depleting strength of fighter squadrons. We need to use Mig-21s for few years more. Later on it'll be replaced by Tejas Mk1A.

[ahumpage]

Why do you show a SEPCAT Jaguar in a video about the MIG 21?

[carlo]

Let me think noon ejected from a jet because doesn't come with eject system? In 1952 12, 000 MiG-15s were Soviet-built The high rate of accidents has earned the aircraft the name the “Flying Coffin". The plane has been plagued by safety problems. Since 1970 more than 170 Indian pilots and 40 civilians have been killed in MiG-21 accidents, thus the unofficial nickname 'flying coffin'.

[sushantshirodkar]

I think the pilots should deny to fly MIG 21 its shameful to say someone to fly these.. We are loosing many pilots

[panographiximageservices]

Maverick "It's not the plane, It's the pilot".

[TheCmac]

The M-21 has a performance envelope that is still contemporary. If the IAF goes to a Mig-21/2000 glass cockpit like Israel, these jets compete with 4th gen fighters.

They will never be stealth, but up to 4th gen they can hold their own with the right avionics/radar.

[grantchang]

where are the hindi BISON MiG21's at and how much would they sell them for?

[onetruekeeper]

As long as there are fighter jets this aircraft will still be flying.

[abhijithchaliyottil]

I am from india 🇮🇳.
I am old IAF pilot 💙.
The mig21 its a pressure, its really dangerous.

[PaulNat]

I hope the Hal Tejas will replace those old air frames soon...

[drivex]

Would be great if f21 avionics can fit in f14 without any technical issue

N india is able to produce it with complete independency including all armament

Nationalism doctrine is vital for development of national arm industry

But fanatical idealism cant substitute practical necessity

Tejas need india own engine to be airforce backbone

Before that it only appropriate as supplement in airforce

The gap from mig21 decommission can only be supplied by primed equipment

Consider jas39 n mig35 aside stimulate tejas production

[Unwoken_European]

Other developers should create alternatives for MiG-21. For many Rafale and F16 are the overkill.

[Red.bulldozer]

If of dying in a battle against its enemies, the trained pilots dying unnesssarily in a old planes.

[bkprakash]

We must have more pragmatism towards indigenous products. We can even learn from China in these aspects. On this specific incident let us wait for court of enquiry.