Defense & Military
India Retires MiG-21 Jets Marking Shift to Indigenous Tejas Fighters
India retires MiG-21 jets after six decades, accelerating defense modernization with the indigenous Tejas program amid squadron shortages.
Introduction
The retirement of India’s MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26, 2025, marks a defining moment in the nation’s military aviation history. For over six decades, the MiG-21 served as the backbone of the Indian Air-Forces (IAF), participating in every major conflict since its induction and shaping the careers of generations of pilots. The aircraft’s legacy is complex, blending operational triumphs with persistent Safety challenges, and its retirement underscores both the end of an era and the urgency of India’s defense modernization efforts.
This transition is not merely symbolic. The MiG-21’s departure comes as India faces a significant squadron strength shortfall, with only 29 active squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. The IAF is thus at a crossroads, compelled to accelerate indigenous programs like the Tejas fighter to maintain operational readiness and strategic deterrence. The MiG-21’s legacy, the challenges of its long service, and the implications of its retirement offer critical insights into India’s evolving defense strategy and the broader context of global Military-Aircraft.
Historical Context and Operational Legacy of the MiG-21
Procurement and Indigenous Manufacturing Foundations
India’s adoption of the MiG-21 in the early 1960s was a pivotal move influenced by regional security concerns following the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The choice of the Soviet MiG-21 over Western alternatives was driven by favorable terms, including local currency payments and, crucially, technology transfer for domestic production. This arrangement laid the groundwork for India’s aerospace industry, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) established to manufacture, assemble, and maintain the aircraft and its systems.
Over the years, India became the largest MiG-21 operator outside the Soviet Union, with more than 650 aircraft produced under license. This extensive fleet required a robust industrial ecosystem, leading to the development of Manufacturing facilities for airframes, engines, and Avionics in Nasik, Koraput, and Hyderabad. The MiG-21 thus became not just a combat asset but a catalyst for technological and industrial advancement in India’s defense sector.
The MiG-21’s introduction marked India’s entry into the supersonic age. The aircraft’s various variants, FL, M, and bis, were progressively upgraded to address operational needs, providing improved avionics, weaponry, and all-weather capabilities. These platforms trained generations of Indian pilots and formed the mainstay of the IAF’s combat power for decades.
“The MiG-21 has the distinction of being an aircraft which has trained generations of Indian fighter pilots. It was a joy to fly. It made me the fighter pilot I am today.” — Group Captain Indranil Nandi, IAF
Combat Performance and Strategic Impact
The MiG-21’s combat record is both storied and significant. Its first major test came during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where it played a decisive role in securing air superiority and executing ground-attack missions. Indian MiG-21 pilots claimed several Pakistani aircraft, including F-104 Starfighters and F-86 Sabres, cementing the aircraft’s reputation as a formidable adversary.
The aircraft’s versatility was further demonstrated during the 1999 Kargil War, when MiG-21s undertook high-altitude ground-attack sorties in challenging Himalayan terrain. Despite technological limitations, the aircraft provided crucial support to Indian ground forces, though not without losses from enemy fire and operational hazards.
In more recent years, the MiG-21 continued to see action, notably in the 2019 aerial engagement over Jammu and Kashmir and during Operation Sindoor in 2025. These operations showcased the aircraft’s enduring utility, even as more advanced platforms entered service. Throughout its tenure, the MiG-21’s operational record, 240 lifetime victories by some estimates, underscored its significance in the IAF’s arsenal.
Safety Record and the “Flying Coffin” Controversy
Despite its achievements, the MiG-21’s legacy is shadowed by a troubling safety record. Official data indicates that between 1971 and 2012, over 480 MiG-21 crashes were recorded, resulting in the deaths of 171 pilots and dozens of others. The aircraft’s design, maintenance challenges, and lack of adequate trainer aircraft contributed to this high accident rate, earning it the moniker “flying coffin.”
Technical issues such as engine flame-outs from bird strikes, coupled with human error and maintenance lapses, were frequent culprits. The government’s procurement of cheaper components and delayed upgrades exacerbated these risks. However, improvements in training and maintenance led to a marked reduction in accidents after 2010, with only about 20 crashes in the last 15 years of service.
Many veteran pilots have defended the MiG-21, arguing that its reputation for danger was often overstated and that, when properly maintained, it remained a reliable and agile platform. These perspectives highlight the nuanced reality behind the aircraft’s controversial legacy.
“The ‘flying coffin’ tag is unfair. The MiG-21 Bis was truly classy, capable of supersonic speeds at low levels and could out-accelerate even modern aircraft like the Mirage 2000 or F-16.” — Air Marshal M Matheswaran (Retired)
The Retirement Ceremony and Transition to Indigenous Fighters
A Historic Farewell
The formal retirement ceremony for the MiG-21 at Chandigarh Air Force Station was a poignant event, attended by top defense officials and featuring a final formation flight and water cannon salute. The last two squadrons, No. 23 “Panthers” and No. 3 “Cobras”, comprised the final 36 jets to be decommissioned, symbolizing the end of an era for the IAF and the nation.
The ceremony was live-streamed, reflecting the public’s deep connection to the MiG-21 and its place in India’s collective memory. Plans are underway to preserve several aircraft in museums, ensuring that future generations can appreciate their historical significance.
The timing of the retirement was dictated by both operational necessity and the urgent need for modernization. Delays in procuring replacements meant the MiG-21 served well beyond its anticipated lifespan, highlighting the challenges of managing legacy systems in a rapidly evolving security environment.
Squadron Strength Crisis and Modernization Imperative
The MiG-21’s retirement has intensified the IAF’s squadron strength crisis. With only 29 active squadrons against a sanctioned requirement of 42, India faces a significant capability gap, especially in light of potential two-front conflicts with Pakistan and China. Each squadron typically comprises 16-18 aircraft, making the shortfall a matter of national security concern.
The current fleet is a mix of French Rafales, Mirage 2000s, Russian Su-30s and MiG-29s, and the indigenous Tejas. However, many of these platforms are also nearing the end of their service lives, necessitating urgent procurement and production of new aircraft to avoid further erosion of combat power.
Defense experts have stressed the need for robust air defense systems and the induction of indigenous platforms to bridge the gap. The recent acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems and the development of the indigenous Akash air defense system are steps in this direction, but the scale of the challenge remains significant.
“If the drop in India’s fighter fleet is not arrested quickly, it will make it challenging to counter neighboring adversaries that have advanced jets for modern day warfare.” — N.C. Bipindra, defense analyst
The Tejas Program: India’s Indigenous Answer
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program stands at the heart of India’s response to its modernization needs. On September 25, 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed a $7.5 billion Contracts with HAL for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighters, supplementing earlier orders and bringing the total to over 180 aircraft. The Tejas Mk1A features substantial indigenous content, including advanced AESA radar, electronic warfare suites, and improved flight control systems.
Production capacity has been expanded with new lines in Bengaluru and Nashik, aiming for an annual output of up to 32 aircraft, subject to engine supply from the United States. The program is expected to generate nearly 12,000 jobs annually and support over 100 Indian suppliers, reinforcing the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
Despite these advances, the Tejas program faces challenges, particularly regarding timely engine delivery from General Electric. Delays in engine supply have slowed production, but ongoing negotiations and new agreements aim to resolve these bottlenecks. The Tejas represents both a technological leap and a strategic shift toward reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Defense Budget and Strategic Implications
Budgetary Trends and Constraints
India’s defense budget for 2025-2026 reached a record INR 6.81 trillion (USD 78.3 billion), reflecting a 9.5% increase from the previous year. Of this, 75% of the modernization budget is earmarked for domestic procurement, underscoring the government’s commitment to indigenous capability development.
However, only about 26% of the total budget is available for new acquisitions, with a significant portion allocated to pensions and personnel costs. This limits the resources available for rapid modernization, particularly in the context of rising inflation and increasing operational demands.
Analysts caution that despite recent increases, India’s defense budget as a percentage of GDP remains modest, raising concerns about the sustainability of modernization efforts given the scale of threats from both Pakistan and China.
“The overall budget remains low in terms of percentage of GDP — about 1.9%, in fact, which is unsustainably low, given the threats India faces from Pakistan and China.” — Professor Ian Hall, Griffith University
Strategic Doctrine and Recent Operations
The MiG-21’s final operational deployment came during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, a four-day conflict with Pakistan characterized by precision strikes, drone warfare, and integrated air defense. MiG-21s flew combat air patrols, supporting modern platforms like the Rafale and demonstrating the IAF’s ability to integrate legacy and contemporary systems.
Operation Sindoor marked a doctrinal shift, with India adopting a policy of assured and proportionate retaliation for terrorist attacks and demonstrating advanced technological capabilities. The successful defense against Pakistani retaliatory strikes highlighted the effectiveness of India’s integrated air defense architecture.
This evolution in strategic doctrine reflects India’s growing confidence in its military capabilities and its willingness to employ force while maintaining escalatory control.
Global Context and Future Trajectory
The MiG-21’s retirement aligns with global trends toward indigenous defense production and technological self-reliance. While a handful of countries still operate MiG-21s or their Chinese derivatives, India’s transition to the Tejas program positions it as an emerging aerospace manufacturer with export potential.
The success of the Tejas and other indigenous programs could influence defense procurement strategies in other developing nations, contributing to a more diversified global defense market. India’s ability to balance technological advancement, cost effectiveness, and strategic autonomy will be critical in shaping its future role as a regional and global security actor.
The broader implications extend to alliance structures and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, where India’s enhanced military capabilities and modernization efforts are likely to play a significant role in the evolving balance of power.
Conclusion
The end of the MiG-21 era is both a moment of reflection and a call to action for India’s defense establishment. The aircraft’s six-decade service encapsulates the challenges and triumphs of military modernization in a rapidly changing strategic environment. As India moves forward, the lessons learned from the MiG-21’s operational history, both its successes and its failures, will inform the development and deployment of future platforms.
The Tejas program, supported by increased defense spending and a focus on indigenous capability, represents a critical step toward addressing the IAF’s squadron strength crisis and achieving long-term strategic autonomy. The coming years will test India’s ability to deliver on these ambitions, but the foundations laid by the MiG-21 and its successors provide a strong platform for continued progress in national defense and aerospace innovation.
FAQ
Why did India retire the MiG-21?
The MiG-21 was retired due to its age, safety concerns, and the need to modernize the IAF’s fleet with more advanced and indigenous aircraft like the Tejas.
What is replacing the MiG-21 in the Indian Air Force?
The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is the primary replacement, supported by other platforms such as the Rafale and Su-30MKI.
How many MiG-21s did India operate?
India procured and built over 650 MiG-21s under license, making it the largest operator of the type outside the former Soviet Union.
What were the main causes of MiG-21 accidents?
Accidents were caused by a combination of technical limitations, bird strikes, maintenance issues, and a lack of adequate trainer aircraft.
What is the significance of the Tejas program?
The Tejas program is central to India’s defense modernization, aiming to increase self-reliance, create jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Sources: AP News
Photo Credit: IANS
Defense & Military
Embraer and Mahindra Select Nagpur for C-390 Assembly Line
Embraer and Mahindra propose a C-390 Millennium final assembly line in Nagpur for India’s $10B MTA programme if selected.
Embraer S.A. and Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur, Maharashtra, as the proposed location for a C-390 Millennium final assembly line, contingent on the aircraft winning the Indian Air Force’s upcoming tactical airlifter contract. The October 1, 2026 announcement marks a critical step in the joint venture’s bid for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, a procurement effort valued at approximately $10 billion to $10.5 billion.
The proposed facility in central India is designed to support local manufacturing, industrialization, and the integration of domestic aerospace suppliers into the global C-390 supply chain. The site selection aligns directly with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, which mandate significant domestic production and technology transfer for defense procurements.
Advancing the C-390 industrialization plan
In a press release issued on October 1, 2026, Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior stated that identifying Nagpur as a potential location is an important step in building a robust aerospace ecosystem in the country.
“We value the support of the Government of Maharashtra and look forward to working closely with our partners to strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities, subject to the C-390 Millennium being selected for the Indian Air Force programme,” da Costa Junior said.
Mahindra Group confirmed that the Government of Maharashtra has already expedited the land allotment process in Nagpur. Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra Group, noted that the company is preparing the industrial ecosystem required to support the MTA programme at scale, citing Nagpur as a compelling opportunity for such a capability.
The Medium Transport Aircraft competition
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking to modernize its airlift capabilities. The MTA programme is intended to replace the IAF’s aging fleet of Soviet-era Antonov An-32s and reduce the service’s reliance on larger Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft. The procurement follows the “Buy and Make (Indian)” route, requiring the winning original equipment manufacturer to partner with an Indian firm for domestic production.
Following a Request for Information (RFI) in 2023, the Indian Ministry of Defence formally issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on August 12, 2026. The IAF is looking to procure between 60 and 80 aircraft that fall within the 18 to 30-tonne payload class.
The competition has effectively narrowed to a two-way contest between the twin-engine, jet-powered Embraer C-390 Millennium and the turboprop-powered Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. Airbus had previously offered the A400M Atlas, but industry reports indicate the European airlifter is either exiting the competition or being viewed as too costly for the IAF’s routine mission profiles.
The C-390 Millennium offers a payload capacity of 26 tonnes and a maximum cruise speed of 470 knots. Its primary competitor, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, has a payload capacity of approximately 20 tonnes. Lockheed Martin holds an incumbent advantage, as the IAF already operates a fleet of 12 C-130J aircraft. To strengthen its MTA bid, Lockheed Martin is leveraging its established manufacturing partnership with Tata Advanced Systems.
Embraer and Mahindra’s strategic roadmap
The Nagpur assembly line announcement is the culmination of a multi-year strategy by Embraer and Mahindra to build a localized foundation for the C-390. The two companies signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding in February 2024. This was followed by a formal Strategic Cooperation Agreement in October 2025 to jointly advance the aircraft for the MTA programme.
On February 19, 2026, the partners announced plans to establish a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capability for the C-390 in India. The addition of a Final Assembly Line (FAL) proposal completes the industrial package required by the Indian government.
Embraer brings significant export momentum to the Indian competition. The C-390 Millennium has secured orders from multiple international operators, including Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
AirPro News analysis
The selection of Nagpur for a potential final assembly line is a calculated move by Embraer and Mahindra to neutralize Lockheed Martin’s strongest advantage in the MTA competition. Lockheed Martin’s existing partnership with Tata Advanced Systems provides a proven, active industrial footprint in India. By securing land allotment in Maharashtra and defining the exact location of their proposed facility before the contract award, Embraer and Mahindra are demonstrating immediate readiness to execute the required technology transfer. We view this announcement as a critical de-risking strategy, proving to the Indian Ministry of Defence that the C-390 bid is backed by mature, shovel-ready industrial planning rather than abstract commitments.
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Sikorsky U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk Production Agreement
Sikorsky and the U.S. Army agree to a flexible UH-60M Black Hawk deal starting with 16 aircraft and a $234.46M contract action.
Sikorsky and the U.S. Army have established a flexible production agreement for the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, beginning with an initial order of 16 aircraft to bridge the gap between current and future procurement cycles.
Announced by Lockheed Martin on September 30, 2026, the arrangement is designed to maintain an active manufacturing line at the company’s Stratford, Connecticut, facility as the Army’s 10th multiyear contract concludes at the end of 2027. The structure allows the U.S. Department of Defense to add aircraft as domestic requirements emerge and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases mature, avoiding the costs and delays associated with a cold production restart.
Structuring the undefinitized contract action
The foundation of the new arrangement was laid on September 17, 2026, when the U.S. Army awarded Sikorsky a $234.46 million undefinitized contract action (UCA). According to reporting by Breaking Defense, this modification brings the cumulative value of the underlying contract to $356.25 million. A UCA allows the manufacturer to begin acquiring long-lead components and start subassembly work before the final price is formally negotiated.
By initiating work now, Sikorsky can ensure that deliveries of the 16 newly ordered UH-60M helicopters will begin in 2028. The estimated completion date for this initial batch of aircraft is June 30, 2028. Lockheed Martin expects the total number of aircraft ordered under this novel agreement structure to increase by over 100 units in the coming years.
Funding for the initial 16 aircraft utilizes Congressional appropriations from fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Additionally, the procurement is supported by proceeds from the Army’s Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Transaction (BEST) program. The BEST program allows the military branch to divest older aircraft models to help fund the acquisition of new helicopters without requiring additional taxpayer resources.
Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, emphasized the utility of the new procurement model in a company press release. Benton noted that the contract structure provides the Army with flexibility as budgets and needs fluctuate year-to-year.
“This agreement turns a partner-nation decision into aircraft on the ramp faster than conventional procurement allows,” Benton stated.
Supply chain and industrial base stability
A primary driver behind the novel production agreement is the preservation of the specialized aerospace industrial base. The Sikorsky supply chain for the Black Hawk program encompasses 230 suppliers distributed across 43 U.S. states. Allowing the production line to go cold at the end of 2027 would have risked the dispersal of this skilled workforce and the degradation of manufacturing capabilities.
Ken Demaree, vice president of Army and Air Forces Systems at Sikorsky, highlighted the difficulty of rebuilding such a workforce once lost. Demaree stated that the agreement ensures aircraft will continue to flow to the Army and allied nations without a pause in production.
The continuity also supports ongoing modernization efforts. Maintaining an active line allows engineers and manufacturers to focus on incorporating new capabilities into the UH-60M platform to evolve alongside the missions flown by military personnel.
Col. Ryan Nesrsta, project manager for the Utility Helicopters Project Office at the U.S. Army, reinforced the strategic necessity of the agreement. Nesrsta stated that the contract ensures the maintenance of a ready, modern, and survivable rotary-wing capability for both domestic forces and international partners.
Half a century of Black Hawk operations
The UH-60 Black Hawk has served as the primary tactical utility transport helicopter for the U.S. Army for decades, executing air assaults, medical evacuations, and resupply missions. The aircraft first flew in 1974 and officially entered production for the Army in 1978. Since that time, Sikorsky has delivered over 5,000 Black Hawk helicopters.
The global footprint of the platform is substantial, with 36 allied nations currently operating the aircraft. Across its operational history, the Black Hawk fleet has accumulated 15 million total flight hours, including 5 million hours logged in combat environments.
The UH-60M represents the current-generation variant of the helicopter. It features significant upgrades over the earlier A and L models, including a fully digital cockpit, wide-chord rotor blades for improved lift, and more powerful engines. The Army awarded Sikorsky its 10th multiyear production contract for the Black Hawk in 2022, a framework that remains active through the end of 2027.
While the U.S. Army continues to develop future vertical lift programs intended to eventually replace the Black Hawk, the UH-60M remains in high demand. The new production agreement is specifically designed to keep the manufacturing line warm and responsive to international orders as they mature, setting the foundation for the platform’s continued production.
AirPro News analysis
The U.S. Army’s decision to utilize an undefinitized contract action for this production agreement highlights a pragmatic approach to industrial base management. By securing long-lead components now, the Army mitigates the risk of a production pause that could have severely degraded Sikorsky’s specialized supply chain of 230 vendors. Reconstituting a dormant aerospace manufacturing line is historically expensive and time-consuming, making this bridge contract a cost-effective stabilization measure.
Furthermore, structuring the agreement to easily accommodate Foreign Military Sales indicates that the Department of Defense views international demand as a critical lever for sustaining domestic manufacturing capabilities. As the Army balances the funding requirements of its future vertical lift initiatives with current operational needs, leveraging allied procurement to keep the UH-60M line active ensures that the U.S. retains a warm production base for tactical utility helicopters well into the next decade.
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Boeing Wins $85M Contract for MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopters
The U.S. Air Force awards Boeing an $85M full-rate production contract for four MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to replace legacy UH-1N Hueys.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded The Boeing Company an $85 million contract for four MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, marking the program’s transition into full-rate production for the nuclear security mission.
Announced by Boeing in a press release on October 1, 2026, the September 25, 2026 contract award accelerates the replacement of the Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey fleet currently guarding intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fields across the United States.
Transitioning to full-rate production
The full-rate production contract allows the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to scale the deployment of the MH-139A across its strategic missile fields. Prior to this award, Boeing delivered 27 aircraft, which included 20 low-rate initial production assets and several test aircraft. The new order brings the total number of Grey Wolf helicopters under contract to 42.
Kathleen Jolivette, Vice President and General Manager of Vertical Lift Programs at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, stated that the milestone validates key readiness levels for the aircraft. Adding the helicopters to the production queue, she noted, brings momentum to ongoing fielding and modernization efforts.
The production milestone follows a critical operational achievement for the platform. On August 31, 2026, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) announced that the MH-139A achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) on August 10, 2026. The IOC designation officially cleared the aircraft for real-world nuclear security missions.
Modernizing nuclear security capabilities
The MH-139A program was established to replace the UH-1N Huey, a platform that has guarded U.S. ICBM fields for more than 50 years. The Grey Wolf provides substantial performance upgrades over the legacy fleet, offering a 50 percent speed increase and the ability to carry twice the payload. These enhancements are designed to improve the rapid response capabilities of security forces patrolling 33,600 square miles of ICBM fields.
The helicopters will be deployed to secure assets at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
Based on the commercial Leonardo AW139, the MH-139A is manufactured through a partnership between Leonardo Helicopters and Boeing. Leonardo builds the base helicopter at its facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before transferring the airframe to Boeing for the installation of specialized military equipment.
Procurement targets for the program have fluctuated since the initial contract award on September 24, 2018. The USAF originally planned to acquire 80 helicopters, later reducing the objective to 42. However, the fiscal year 2026 budget request recently increased the procurement objective to 56 aircraft. Deliveries for the four helicopters in this initial full-rate production batch are expected in 2028 or 2029.
AirPro News analysis
The shift to full-rate production signals stabilization for the MH-139A program following earlier procurement quantity adjustments. Securing this contract alongside recent F-15EX and F/A-XX awards caps a highly successful procurement week for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. We view this momentum as a critical reinforcement of Boeing’s position in U.S. military modernization efforts, providing a stable production outlook for the Philadelphia manufacturing line through the end of the decade.
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell
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