印媒:印度空军米格-21战机服役六十多年后将退役,曾发生过400余起事故致200多人丧生
Huan Qiu Wang·2025-09-21 06:04

Core Viewpoint - The Indian Air Force is set to retire the MiG-21 fighter jet after over 60 years of service, marking the end of an era for this aircraft model, which has been associated with numerous accidents and fatalities among pilots [1][3]. Group 1: Historical Context - The MiG-21 has been in service with the Indian military since its introduction in 1963, with a total of 900 units procured, of which 660 were manufactured locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited [3]. - Currently, only 36 MiG-21 aircraft remain operational, deployed in the last two squadrons at the Bikaner airbase in Rajasthan [3]. Group 2: Safety Record - The MiG-21 has a troubling safety record, with over 400 accidents reported and more than 200 pilots losing their lives during its service [3]. - Since 2021, there have been 7 accidents involving the MiG-21, leading to its nicknames "flying coffin" and "widow maker" in India [3]. Group 3: Replacement and Future - The MiG-21 will be gradually replaced by the Tejas LCA Mark 1A fighter jet, indicating a shift towards modernizing the Indian Air Force's fleet [3]. - Despite its retirement, the MiG-21 remains in use by over 60 countries worldwide, with more than 11,000 units having been produced globally [3].

印媒:印度空军米格-21战机服役六十多年后将退役,曾发生过400余起事故致200多人丧生 - Reportify