In response to the crash that occurred over Rajasthan earlier this month, resulting in the loss of three lives, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to ground its entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft until thorough checks are conducted and investigations into the causes of the incident are completed.
Senior defense officials have stated that the MiG-21 fleet will remain grounded until the investigations are concluded and the reasons behind the crash are determined.
The MiG-21 aircraft variants have been inducted into the Indian Air Force for over five decades and are now in the process of being phased out. Currently, there are only three MiG-21 squadrons operational within the IAF, all of which are scheduled to be phased out by early 2025, according to officials.
The crashed fighter jet was on a routine training mission when the accident occurred. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and an inquiry has been launched to investigate the exact cause of the crash.
