Archive · 9 Aug 2025
IAF Fighter Jet Crashes and MiG-21 Retirement Announced
The Indian Air Force is retiring its MiG-21 fighter jets after a long history.
Over the past 17 years, there have been many crashes involving different types of jets, including the MiG-21.
These crashes have resulted in the loss of life for some pilots.
Investigations into the crashes have pointed to human error and technical problems as reasons.
The Air Force is now using newer jets like the indigenous Tejas.
Spending on aircraft and engines has gone down recently.
MiG-21 aircraft are set to retire from the Indian Air Force in September after 62 years of service.
Between FY09 and FY25, 101 IAF fighter jets crashed, resulting in 28 pilot fatalities.
Over 54 of the 101 crashes involved MiG aircraft.
IAF has reduced reliance on MiGs and is transitioning to indigenous Tejas jets.
A parliamentary report cited 'human error' and 'technical faults' as causes for the crashes.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force (IAF).
- What
- Multiple crashes involving IAF fighter jets, particularly MiG-21s.
- When
- Between FY09 and FY25.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Human error and technical faults.
Perspective 1: Focus on Safety and Replacement
N/A
Safety Focus
Perspective 1: Focus on Safety and Replacement
The primary concern is the safety of the pilots and the transition to newer, safer aircraft.
N/A
N/A
- Total Fighter Jet Crashes (FY09-FY25)
- 101
- MiG-21 Crashes (FY09-FY25)
- 54+
- Pilot Fatalities
- 28
- MiG-21 Retirement Date
- September
- Average Crashes per Year (17 years)
- 6