IAF grounds entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets following Rajasthan crash

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to ground the entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets that have been in service for over five decades. The Russia-made jets will stay grounded until investigation determines the cause of the crash of one of the Mig-21s in Rajasthan earlier this month.

On May 8, a Mig-21 Bison, shortly after taking off from Suratgarh airbase in Rajasthan, crashed near Hanumangarh. Even as the pilot survived, three other persons were killed.

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The IAF is also in the process of phasing out the Mig-21 aircraft from its fleet. In the next two years, these jets will be pulled out of service.

The Mig-21 was inducted into the IAF in the 1960s. The crash rates of these jets have also been a cause of concern.

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An official said that the entire fleet of MiG-21 aircraft is being investigated.

"The main objective of the investigation is to find out the cause of the accidents involving these aircraft. The MiG-21 has been grounded till the investigation is completed and the exact cause of the accident is ascertained," the official said.

According to Defence Ministry officials, only three MiG-21 squadrons are currently operational in the IAF and all of them will be phased out by early 2025.