MiG-21 was a demanding mentor that helped build factories from dust, transformed farm boys into fighter pilots, and dragged an entire nation into the brutal reality of modern warfare.
In May last yr, Squadron Leader PD Dongre's aircraft suffered critical failure soon after take-off, necessitating a flapless landing, a challenging configuration for MiG-21 Bison.
IAF down to 31 fighter squadrons on paper against sanctioned strength of 42. Number will go down further next year when 2 remaining squadrons of MiG 21 Bison get phased out.
According to the candidates, the roster not only violates the RPwD Act, but also Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution. However, no action is being taken by the government.
WEF report flags growing erosion of multilateralism, long considered stabilising force. 'Declining trust, heightened protectionism are threatening trade, investment.'
Pakistan lacks capacity to deliver aircraft at pace suggested by its claimed contracts as it depends on China for avionics, electronic warfare, weapons, and on Russia for engines.
UK, EFTA already in the bag and EU on the way, many members of RCEP except China signed up, and even restrictions on China being lifted, India has changed its mind on trade.
Socialist Modi govt might be thinking how much it will earn by selling the scraps of MiG 21s to fund socialist schemes and garner votes.
Excellent article!