The MiG-21 was by far the best aircraft of the last century, especially given its phenomenal track record in the number of wars it took part in from the Indian side, including in 1965, 1971, and in the last decade, in the Balakot airstrikes inside Pakistan in 2019, an expert has said.
"The MiG-21 was one of the best lightweight, multi-role fighters of its time. Today, it's regarded as a second-generation fighter, although its latest versions and modifications are actually comparable to third-generation aircraft, which is remarkable for such a long-serving aircraft," retired Major General Vladimir Popov told Sputnik India.
Despite the fact that its design began in the early 1950s, the first flight took place on June 16, 1955. The MiG-21, with its delta wing, was first flown by test pilot Grigory Sedov from the factory airfield. From the very start of its service, the MiG-21 proved itself to be an excellent machine – highly maneuverable, easy to control, and relatively safe, which is a very important factor, he added.
The MiG-21 was adopted into service by the Soviet Air Force and Air Defence Forces in 1959. Its rapid rise to service, from the first flight to testing, certification, and pilot training, was impressive. Its mass production began almost immediately at three Soviet aircraft factories: in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod), the 'Sokol' plant, the Moscow 'Znamya Truda' plant, and the Tbilisi aviation enterprise. This indicates that the aircraft was in high demand, with Soviet military leaders recognising its importance both for the army and the nation, the veteran Russian combat aircraft pilot highlighted.
"The MiG-21's development was based on its simplicity in technological production, despite incorporating advanced engineering solutions and cutting-edge systems, particularly in automation and aerodynamics. The aircraft's innovative features included a delta wing, which was a breakthrough design at the time, a fully movable stabiliser, and an unusual arrangement of the bypass duct for the jet engine, placed near the cockpit in the tail section," Popov underlined.
The new control systems, the adjustable bypass duct, and the innovative aerodynamic design allowed the MiG-21 to perform exceptionally well at both subsonic and supersonic speeds. Additionally, the aircraft had features to ensure lift at low speeds and high angles of attack, using forced gas-dynamic flow to maintain lift with its short-span delta wing. These innovations contributed to its long service life, he explained.
This small, powerful, and elegant fighter was a symbol of Soviet military aviation. It combined excellent agility, ease of use, operational reliability, and outstanding flight performance. The MiG-21 could intercept, engage in close-quarters combat, provide ground support, and establish air superiority, making it a versatile platform capable of performing many tactical missions, the military commentator stressed.
"Its widespread use in over 40 countries, including India, speaks volumes about its reliability and performance. The MiG-21 became iconic not just for its capabilities but also for its role as a reliable, multi-role fighter that could operate under a variety of conditions, from the African savannah to the icy cold of the Arctic," Popov noted.
The MiG-21 was also dubbed the 'Russian balalaika' due to its distinctive appearance and its association with Russian pride, much like the traditional musical instrument. It embodied agility, combat potential, and elegance – qualities that made it both a feared weapon and a symbol of Soviet engineering excellence, he reckoned.
Today, the MiG-21 is a symbol of Russian aviation, with its legacy carried on in the memories of those who flew it. It was truly a universal fighter, trusted by pilots worldwide for its dependability, and it remains a testament to the innovation and durability of Soviet aircraft design, the aviation pundit emphasised.
Did Indian Pilots Undergo Training Programs While Operating The Legendary Aircraft?
When India was gaining its independence and establishing its own defence and aviation capabilities, they were just starting to form relationships with other nations, and of course, training programs for pilots were one of the key elements of this cooperation, Popov recalled.
"At that time, MiG-21 was introduced to Indian aviation, and it was the first time that India's aviation industry began assembling these aircraft locally. The Soviet Union supplied them with key components and assemblies, but the assembly of the MiG-21 in India was the first step towards developing their own technological and manufacturing capabilities," the observer pointed out.
Training programs for Indian pilots were critical, and instructors and specialists regularly travelled to India for practical and theoretical training, including about a year of training in the Soviet Union. Language was a significant barrier, but India's bilingual population, including the widespread use of English, made it a bit easier to work with, he asserted.
"As I recall, there were groups trained in both Russian and English, depending on their level of preparation. But they not only trained pilots but also technicians, engineers, and others in the aviation industry. The cooperation between Soviet and Indian aviation was built on a strong foundation of trust and mutual understanding," Popov revealed.
The MiG-21's legendary status in India was further strengthened by the training and the work the Soviets did with Indian pilots. Not only did they learn to operate the aircraft, but they also learned to appreciate its simplicity, reliability, and combat potential, making it a key part of India's air force, the former Russian Air Force official argued.
Message For The Indian Air Force Pilots
The MiG-21 has been an essential part of the Indian Air Force for decades, and it is now being phased out in favour of more modern aircraft. But these last 30 MiG-21s, which were highly modernised and adapted to current conditions, were almost like third-generation aircraft and served their purpose brilliantly, he maintained.
"I believe that the pilots who flew the MiG-21 are proud of their service with this remarkable aircraft, and I, too, feel a sense of nostalgia as I say goodbye to it. The MiG-21 has been a true companion for those who flew it, a loyal warrior that served its pilots and brought them home after countless successful missions," Popov declared.
The aircraft's elegance, its combat prowess, and its iconic place in aviation history make it not just a machine, but a symbol of Russian and Indian military cooperation, he opined.
As the IAF says goodbye to this legendary fighter, the aerospace analyst hopes that they will carry the memory of their time with the MiG-21 as a reminder of the bond between our two nations.
"Just as the MiG-21 carried its pilots through many dangerous situations, so too did it teach them valuable lessons in aerial combat and the love of flying. That's why the legacy of the MiG-21, and the training and camaraderie shared with their Russian colleagues, will live on for many generations of Indian pilots to come. The MiG-21 will forever be a part of India's aviation history, and I hope the memory of this little but powerful fighter will be cherished, just as we cherish it here in Russia," Popov concluded.