IAF locks entire MiG-21 jet fleet impending probe after Rajasthan crash

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets until tests are completed and the cause of the crash over Rajasthan earlier this month is determined.

At least three people lost their lives when a MiG-21 Bison aircraft from the Suratgarh air base crashed in mid-air over Hanumangarh in the village on May 8.

"The MiG-21 fleet has been grounded until an investigation is conducted and the reasons for the crash are ascertained," senior defense officials told as per reports.

The Indian Air Force has been acquiring versions of the MiG-21 aircraft for five decades and they will soon be phased out. Only three MiG-21 squadrons are active in the IAF now and all will be phased out by early 2025, they said.

The incident occurred while the aircraft was on a routine training route when it met with an accident in Rajasthan. The pilot of the plane suffered minor injuries. An investigation was later launched to determine the cause of the crash.

Three squadrons of the MiG-21 Bison variant are among the 31 fighter squadrons of the IAF. 800 different versions of the MIG-21 fighter have been in service since it was first introduced to the IAF in the 1960s.

In recent years, the crash rate of the MiG-21 has attracted attention because so many aircraft have been involved in accidents.

Advanced medium combat aircraft and indigenous LCA Mark 1A and Mark 2 aircraft are among those the IAF is considering inducting.