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2h ago

India Retires MiG-21s as $7 Billion Tejas Fighter Deal Signals Air Power Shift

The transition reflects a drive to replace Soviet-era fighters with homegrown jets to cut reliance on foreign suppliers.

Des avions de chasse MIG-21 Bison de l’armée de l’air indienne sont stationnés sur le tarmac lors d’une répétition avant leur départ définitif de la base aérienne de Chandigarh, le 24 septembre 2025.
Des avions de chasse MiG-21 de l'armée de l'air indienne sur le tarmac de la base aérienne de Chandigarh, avant leur départ définitif, le 24 septembre 2025
Derniers vols pour la flotte de MiG-21 de l'armée de l'air indienne, à Chandigarh, le 24 septembre 2025

Overview

  • New Delhi signed a $7 billion contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters—68 single-seat and 29 two-seat—which the defence minister said will become a mainstay of the air force.
  • HAL and the Defence Ministry said the jets will feature over 64% local content, with deliveries beginning in 2027–28 and continuing for six years.
  • The last operational MiG-21s made a ceremonial final flight near Chandigarh as crowds and senior officials, including Rajnath Singh, marked the retirement.
  • India operated 874 MiG-21s over six decades, and the type was involved in about 400 crashes that killed roughly 200 pilots.
  • The Tejas order is part of a broader modernization effort that includes recent Rafale purchases and a new French partnership on fighter engines following a four-day confrontation with Pakistan in May.