MiG-21: A fighter that demanded total mastery

THE distinct sound of the MiG-21 afterburner roared one last time over the skies of Chandigarh in the hot September morning as the Indian Air Force bade a final farewell to its trusty steed of over six decades. There was something about this fighter that drew veterans in their nineties to serving officers and their families from all parts of the country to come together for a last hurrah.

It was a fighter that not only touched the lives of thousands of pilots, engineers and technicians but also transformed the IAF into one of the finest professional air forces of the world while shaping the air power premises in South Asia.

On the momentous day, in a heartwarming flying display, the MiG-21 Bison fighters of 23 Squadron, the 'Panthers', brought to a close the 62-year-old saga that had begun in this very base with the induction of this aircraft in 1963.

Since it was the first supersonic fighter of the IAF, 28 Squadron, equipped with the Type 74 variant of the MiG-21, was named the First Supersonics. Eleven and a half thousand airframes produced since its manufacture, flown in 60 countries, this silver fighter with its NATO codename 'Fishbed' has been the most produced combat platform ever.

About 900 of these fighters were produced in India and at its peak, the IAF had 24 squadrons, including all its variants, on its combat inventory. It was without a doubt a venerable warhorse, having taken part in all of India's wars and operations since 1965, it has served the nation well. Designed as a high speed interceptor in the Cold War era, the IAF has exploited this versatile little fighter in ways the aviation world could not imagine.

From an air defence role, where it was the vanguard in defending the nation's sovereign airspace, to the delivery of a wide variety of air-to-ground weapons in the strike role inside the enemy territory, or carrying out tactical reconnaissance missions, the MiG-21 did it all. Over the scorching hot desert terrain, amidst the valleys of snow-clad Himalayan mountains, the densely forested humid jungles of the Northeast, the salt flats of the Kutch or the waters of the Arabian Sea, she served everywhere.

She was simple and robust, but make no mistake — a tough bird. As all fighter platforms each have their own personality, the MiG-21 demanded one's full attention and respect for her characteristics and behaviour. Amazingly accommodating, forgiving, and hardy, but with clear red-lines of performance limits which you crossed at your own peril.

Combat aviation is serious business, which demands that its practitioners hone their skills by exploiting the entire performance envelope and getting the best out of the fighter. Higher safety margins were factored in to allow for those learning the game, and were slightly lower for those who had reached the required skillset and were ready for war.

In a business where riding on the edge of the envelope was not for fancy showmanship but a combat necessity, to get the most out of your platform for mission accomplishment and personal survival. You had no choice but to know her well, she demanded it of you.

And despite the almost 1.5 million hours clocked over 62 years and an accident rate which was similar to jets of its equivalent vintage, she was somewhat unfairly and insensitively called the ‘flying coffin’. Unfair, as the IAF was compelled to continue with the fighter not by its choosing, and insensitive, as it disrespected those whom we lost as they deliberately and unquestioningly put their lives in line for defence of the nation.

And yet, ask any pilot who has 'slipped the surly bonds of earth' with a MiG-21 strapped on, one will only speak of it with undying passion, unconditional love and immense respect. The doughty war horse which turned generations of young Indian fighter pilots into professional warriors, having undergone the uncompromising rites of passage which the platform demanded of you.

As the Vic formation of three Bison fighters were escorted in their final run, flanked by two Tejas aircraft, it was the close of a unique chapter of the IAF's combat history.

In a fitting finale the Tejas designed and produced to replace the MiG 21s flew in formation one last time as the younger generation escorted the older one on its way. It was almost, thank you, we will take it from here.

After the display, when the six Bison aircraft taxied back to the dispersal passing through the ceremonial arc of the water salute by the fire trucks, there was a moment of hushed silence amidst the audience.

In perfect synchronicity, six engines shut down together, and for a moment, my heart skipped a beat, as it would have for every MiG-21 pilot in the audience, old or young. This was it.

On this hot shimmering tarmac with the waft of jet fuel lingering in the air, the magnificent fighter had sung its swan song, and took a piece of our heart with it.

Air Marshal Diptendu Choudhury (retd) is  ex-Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command.