By 2025, the ageing MiG-21 fleet is supposed to be phased out, but unless responsibility is established and exemplary action is taken every time such a disaster occurs, it is unrealistic to believe that the time in between will be incident-free for pilots and civilians.
Source: Tribune India
Over the past six decades, the MiG-21, which India originally acquired from the Soviet Union a year after the China fiasco in 1962, has undergone numerous variations, all of which have been produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the country’s leading aerospace and defence business in the public sector.
Technical flaws or onboard human mistakes are the main causes of the irregular crashes. An extensive investigation is required to determine how and why HAL failed to ensure the airworthiness of the MiG-21 for every technical issue that results in losses in both human and monetary terms.
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) development, which was started back in 1983, has been moving slowly, which is a major factor in why the MiG-21 is being employed far past its expiration date. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence flagged a considerable delay in HAL’s supply of 40 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft earlier this year in a report it submitted to the Lok Sabha.
Source: Hindustan Times
The demand-supply imbalance has worsened due to non-compliance with the deadlines, resulting in shortages of fighter aircraft in the IAF’s inventory. The carelessness afflicting this high-stakes project requires an explanation from HAL and other stakeholders.
MiG squadrons are being withdrawn from service at an agonisingly slow rate, which is bad news for the IAF’s combat preparedness as it struggles with a fighter squadrons shortage. It is essential to hasten Tejas aircraft production in order for the MiG phaseout to begin as soon as possible.
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