A Mig-21 Bison from Nal Air Base has crashed near Bikaner, Rajasthan. The pilot is reported to be safe. As per reports, bird collision is being cited as the reason for the crash by sources. The incident has happened near Shobhasar village in Bikaner.
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According to a statement issued by the Indian Air Force, the aircraft was on a routine mission when it crashed. The pilot was able to eject safely.
The Mig-21 has a notorious reputation of being a ‘flying coffin’ due to the numerous crashes it has suffered over the years.
Recently, the MiG-21 Bison planes were in the news as it was the aircraft that was flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to bring down a Pakistani F16, an aircraft that surpasses the abilities of Mig-21 in every aspect.
The shooting down of the F16 by the Indian Mig-21 Bison was a remarkable event as it was the first time an American made fighter jet was shot down by a Russian made jet since the 1991 Gulf war. Moreover, that a 4th gen fighter jet was brought down by an aircraft which is considered obsolete by many was a cause for an immense surprise for many aviation watchers.
However, as today’s crash shows, the Mig-21 has been working for well past their expiry date and it’s a matter of urgency that India acquire fighter jets to replenish its depleting squadrons.