The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently relocated some of its remaining Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets from Suratgarh in Rajasthan to the NAL desert base near Bikaner, where they joined the last operational MiG-21s of the No 3 Squadron, known as the “Cobras”. This move marks a step towards phasing out these iconic aircraft and transitioning to the new TEJAS light combat aircraft (TEJAS MK-1A).
According to senior officials familiar with the matter, the No 23 Squadron, also called the “Panthers” based in Suratgarh, has now been consolidated with the Cobras at NAL. Both squadrons operate the MiG-21 Bison variant, the latest iteration of these single-engine workhorses.
The decision to relocate these jets aims to streamline maintenance and optimize logistical support to keep them operational until the transition to TEJAS MK-1A is completed by 2024-25. The Indian Air Force has ordered 83 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a cost of ₹48,000 crore, with deliveries expected to begin in July 2024.
While the initial delivery target for the TEJAS MK-1A was March 31, 2024, HAL faced delays in obtaining key certifications. The first aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight from HAL’s Bangalore facility in March 2024. HAL plans to deliver 16 TEJAS MK-1A jets to the Air Force in the fiscal year 2024-25 and has established a new production line in Nashik to enhance production capacity.
The MiG-21 has a storied history in the Indian Air Force since its induction in 1963, serving in various versions over six decades. Despite concerns about safety and ageing, the aircraft has been continuously upgraded to extend its service life. The transition to TEJAS MK-1A is part of the IAF’s broader modernization efforts to enhance combat capabilities amid geopolitical challenges.
The TEJAS MK-1A, an advanced variant of the TEJAS MK-1 already in service, is poised to become a cornerstone of the IAF’s fleet, with plans to operate around 350 TEJAS aircraft in different versions. This includes initial operational clearance (IOC) and final operational clearance (FOC) configurations.
Looking ahead, the TEJAS MK-1A will be deployed at forward air bases in the western sector to bolster India’s defence readiness against potential threats and fill the void left by retiring MiG-21s. The TEJAS project, initiated in 1983, represents a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and aircraft technology.