MiG Fighter Aircraft Complete 50 years in India

April 21 2013 marks a momentous day for MiG fighter aircraft in India as it completes 50 years of its relationship with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Built in 1956, the world’s most common fighter aircraft emerged from the shadows in 1962 when India announced that it would be buying the newly developed Russian jets.

Designed by Artem Mikoyan, the aircraft served the Indian Air Force well with its participation in the 1965 conflict with Pakistan and again in 1971.

With the aircraft’s capabilities under the scanner during the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the Russian fighter aircraft played a pivotal role is providing India the upper hand over Pakistan. During the war, the IAF MiG-21s claimed four PAF F-104s, two PAF F6, one PAF North American F-86 Sabre and one PAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The MiG-21s also provided the IAF with air superiority over vital points and areas in the western theater of the conflict.


Source: (defenseworld.net) News – 9 April 2013

Photo: The Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21s (Photo by IAF)


(9.04.2013)