The recent crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 fighter jet in Rajasthan has claimed the lives of three civilians. Let’s explore the details of the incident and learn more about the MiG-21 aircraft.
The MiG-21: A Brief Overview
The MiG-21 is a single engine, single-seater multi-role fighter/ground attack aircraft that was inducted into the IAF in the early 1960s. It was designed as a supersonic jet interceptor aircraft by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet Union. The aircraft made its maiden flight on 16 June 1955 and holds the record of being the most produced supersonic jet in aviation history. The aircraft underwent updates and modification in many countries, including India.
The Crash in Rajasthan
The recent crash occurred in the district of Barmer in Rajasthan, where the MiG-21 reportedly collided with a house, resulting in the deaths of three civilians. The pilot of the aircraft, fortunately, ejected safely. The IAF has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The MiG-21s in the IAF Fleet
The MiG-21s are among the six fighter jets presently flown by the IAF. The first single-engine MiG-21 aircraft came into the air force in 1963, and the aircraft first underwent an upgrade in the 1970s, with the variant known as the MiG-21 Bis. The MiG-21 Bisons, the latest variant of the aircraft, are expected to be out of service completely by 2024. The IAF has been steadily phasing out the MiG-21s and replacing them with newer, more advanced aircraft.
The Challenges of Operating an Ageing Fleet
The IAF has been facing several challenges in operating an ageing fleet of MiG-21s. With the aircraft having undergone multiple upgrades and modifications, the maintenance and support requirements have become increasingly complex. The IAF has been working on upgrading its maintenance and support infrastructure to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the aircraft.
The IAF has also been investing in the development and acquisition of newer, more advanced aircraft to replace the MiG-21s. The IAF has inducted aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Dassault Rafale, and the HAL Tejas, and more aircraft are expected to join the fleet in the coming years.
Important Points:
🛬 A MiG-21 fighter jet crashed into a house in Rajasthan, killing three civilians.
🛩 The MiG-21 is a single engine, single-seater multi-role fighter/ground attack aircraft that was inducted into the IAF in the early 1960s.
🌍 It was designed as a supersonic jet interceptor aircraft by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet Union.
📜 The aircraft underwent updates and modification in many countries, including India.
👨✈️ The pilot of the aircraft ejected safely.
🔍 The IAF has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash.
🛫 The MiG-21s are among the six fighter jets presently flown by the IAF.
📅 The first single-engine MiG-21 aircraft came into the air force in 1963.
🆙 The aircraft first underwent an upgrade in the 1970s, with the variant known as the MiG-21 Bis.
📉 The MiG-21 Bisons, the latest variant of the aircraft, are expected to be out of service completely by 2024.
🛡 The IAF has been steadily phasing out the MiG-21s and replacing them with newer, more advanced aircraft.
💻 The IAF has been working on upgrading its maintenance and support infrastructure to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the aircraft.
🚀 The IAF has been investing in the development and acquisition of newer, more advanced aircraft to replace the MiG-21s.
🌟 The IAF has inducted aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Dassault Rafale, and the HAL Tejas.
🛠 More aircraft are expected to join the fleet in the coming years.
Why In News
This tragic incident highlights the risks associated with military aircraft operations and the need for utmost caution and preparedness to prevent civilian casualties. The IAF has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash and take necessary measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
MCQs about MiG-21 Fighter Jet Crash in Rajasthan
-
What is a MiG-21?
A. A single-seater multi-role fighter/ground attack aircraft
B. A bomber aircraft used by the Indian Air Force
C. A helicopter used for air surveillance
D. A transport aircraft for carrying military equipment
-
What was the cause of the MiG-21 crash in Rajasthan?
A. Pilot error
B. Technical malfunction
C. Weather conditions
D. Sabotage
-
What is the IAF’s plan for the MiG-21s?
A. To phase them out completely by 2024
B. To upgrade and modernize the existing fleet
C. To acquire newer, more advanced aircraft to replace them
D. To continue using them without any changes
-
Which of the following aircraft have been inducted into the IAF to replace the MiG-21s?
A. Sukhoi Su-30MKI
B. Dassault Rafale
C. HAL Tejas
D. All of the above
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
