MiG-21 - Serving The Nation For 60 Years And Beyond?
The Indian Air Force's oldest supersonic fighter, the MiG-21 Bison, crashed on May 8 in Rajasthan's Barmer after taking off from the Suratgarh airbase. Three villagers died in the incident when a part of the fighter jet fell on the roof of a house. The pilot ejected on time and reportedly escaped unhurt. The air force has ordered a court of inquiry into the incident, and reports suggest that a technical snag resulted in the crash. The MiG-21's love affair with the Air Force is over 60 years old. The aircraft was inducted into the newly raised No. 28 Squadron - 'First Supersonics' and became India's first supersonic fighter to enter the fleet. "The Flying Coffin" Despite its 60 years of service, the MiG-21, which is the most-produced aircraft in the world, acquired the title of "flying coffin" due to the number of crashes and casualties suffered by the force. The term "flying coffin" neglects the meritorious service of the MiG in t