On October 3, 2023, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) VR Chaudhari, the head of the Indian Air Force (IAF), announced during a pre-annual Air Force Day press briefing that the phase-out of the MiG-21Bison aircraft is nearing completion. According to ACM Chaudhari, this year's Air Force Day flypast, celebrating the 91st anniversary on October 8, will mark the final participation of the MiG-21Bison.
Currently, there are still three squadrons of MiG-21Bison in operation with IAF: No.3 Squadron Cobras at Nal/Bikaner AFS, No.4 Squadron Oorials at Uttarlai AFS, and No.23 Squadron Panthers at Suratgarh AFS.
The MiG-21's successor is the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Presently, the IAF has two operational squadrons equipped with LCA Tejas Mk1. The delivery of the first LCA Tejas Mk1A is scheduled to commence in February 2024.
The MiG-21's successor is the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Presently, the IAF has two operational squadrons equipped with LCA Tejas Mk1. The delivery of the first LCA Tejas Mk1A is scheduled to commence in February 2024.
The Air Force Commander mentioned that in addition to the previous agreement for 83 LCA-Mk1A aircraft, an order for an additional 97 fighter jets of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-1A will be finalized later this year. "We will enter into an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). They might also distribute some of the work to private companies." It's important to note that the figure of 97 is not intended to decrease the current estimate for the Tejas Mark.
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