Vikram (Valor) MiG-21bis / Trishul (Trident) Mig-21FL/U
In 1976, the "third generation" MiG-21bis, considered the definitive variant of the classic tailed-delta fighter design, was a follow-on the "M" sub-type as a multi-role air superiority/ground attack version. The MiG-21bis assumed the prime air defence mantle and sufficient numbers were acquired in 1976-77 to equip three squadrons (Nos. 15, 21 and 23) formerly operating the Gnat light fighter. With some 580 MiG-21s delivered by HAL and nearly 250 MiG-21s (including the two-seat operational trainers) imported as "fly aways", the type remained an immense asset for the Indian Air Force for over a quarter century. The quantity vs. quality dilemma inevitably faced by most of the world's air forces as a consequence of spiralling costs was mitigated for the IAF by the large scale availability of the MiG-21, which type will surely go down as one of aviation history's all-time classics.
In early 1980s, the Indian Air Force carried out an evaluation of perceived threats and the likely battle scenario of the 1990s which highlighted the inadequacies of MiG Bis, the main stream aircraft of the Air Force. Consequently, the Ministry sanctioned in August 1983 the development of LCA class of aircraft to fill the gap in force level of the Air Force from 1995. The LCA was expected to enter into service in 1995 to replace MiG Bis that were scheduled to be phased out on the expiry of their life of 20 years/2400 hours. The LCA program, however, suffered considerable slippages and the aircraft was not expected to be available for induction before the year 2005. In view of this, extension of total technical life of MiG Bis and its upgradation to enhance its operational capability to desired levels was considered necessary. The Ministry decided to upgrade the existing MiG Bis aircraft rather than outright purchase of a new aircraft keeping in view the high cost of modern fighters and the constraints on the defence budget.
In 1989, Russia indicated that it could upgrade the MiG Bis aircraft with some of the avionics and weapons of MiG-29 aircraft. The preliminary proposal of Russia was received in November 1990 and detailed proposal in August 1991. A joint techno-economic study was carried out in November 1992 and the proposal was found to be comprehensive and cost effective. An intention to nominate Russia as prime contractor was issued in March 1994.
In December 1995, a proposal was submitted to CCPA (Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs) for approval of the upgradation of 125 MiG Bis aircraft with an option to upgrade 50 more aircraft at a total cost of US$ 626 million, equivalent to Rs. 2003 ( 1 US $ = Rs.31.99) crore including weapons, spares, maintenance support and training. Apart from components from Russia, the upgrade package consisted of certain Western and indigenous avionic systems. CCPA approved the proposal in January 1996. The CCPA paper envisaged completion of design and development of two MiG Bis aircraft in Russia by 31 January 1998 and series modification of the remaining 123 aircraft indigenously by HAL by September 2001. Upgradation of the 50 aircraft under option was to be undertaken from 30 September 2001 onwards. MiG Bis upgradation program as approved by CCPA envisaged extension of TTL (Total Technical Life) of the MiG Bis fleet from 20 to 40 years for justifying the cost of upgradation.
The Ministry concluded six contracts in March 1996. Of these, three contracts, viz design and development of aircraft, series upgradation and armament were concluded with a Russian manufacturer and three contracts for avionic systems like INS (Inertial navigation System), CMDS ( Counter measures Dispensing System) and VRS ( Video Recording System) were concluded with Western vendors. Subsequently, the Ministry also concluded contracts with HAL, NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories) and BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) in 1997 for development of indigenous avionic systems and life extension study.
In March 1996, the upgrade program offered by “MiG” Corporation and SOKOL aviation plant of Nizhniy Novgorod was launched to retrofit 125 MiG-21bis fighters produced under license by the HAL Corporation. This upgrade program allows to improve the fighter performance and equip it with the “Kopyo” multimode radar developed by the “Phasotron” Russian company. This airborne radar makes possible to feasibly enhance the detection range and capability to kill air and ground targets. The upgraded fighter is equipped with advanced avionics of Russian, Indian, French and Israeli design and armed with contemporary “air-to-air” and “air-to-surface” guided weapons. The MiG-21bis upgraded fighter (designated Mig-21UPG) has performance and combat effectiveness on a par with contemporary fighters. In October 2000, for the first time MiG-21UPG made launchings of RVV-AE missiles simultaneously at two air targets which proved the estimated performance and the flight tests carried in Russia were completed after a lapse of one month. At the end of December 2000, the first two upgraded MiG-21UPG fighters complete with documents and airborne equipment were delivered to the Indian side. Thus, the R&D stage was successfully completed and the Indian side will start the upgrading of the MiG-21bis fighters in from the year 2001.
The development of the RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) system was entrusted to ASIEO (Advanced Systems Integration and Evaluation Organisation) at a cost of Rs.10 crore with an objective to develop a compact Advanced Radar Warning Receiver system for fighter aircraft. Two systems were required to be supplied directly to the foreign manufacturer by June 1997 and the remaining 123 systems were to be supplied by BEL to HAL for upgrading the MiG Bis indigenously. A supply order on BEL for the supply of 123 systems including spares was placed in February 1997 at a cost of Rs.133.64 crore including FE of Rs.84.39 crore. As per supply order, the first six systems were to be supplied by March 1998 and the remaining by March 2001 in batches.
MIG aircraft of Indian Air Force have high accident rates. During the five year period from 1996 through 2000 81 MIG series aircraft had been lost in accidents. Human error (aircrew), bird hit and technical defects have been identified as main causes of these accidents by various Courts of Enquiry. Remedial measures based on the recommendations are instituted after each Court of Enquiry. In addition, measures to enhance the quality of training to improve skill levels, ability to exercise sound judgement and improve situational awareness are constantly being reviewed and implemented. Renewed thrust on acquiring simulators and training aircraft is a step towards improving the quality of the man behind machine. Besides, a total of 125 MIG-21 BIS variant aircraft have been planned for up-gradation. Out of these, two have been upgraded in Russia during the design and development phase, which has been completed recently. It has been planned that the remaining aircraft will be upgraded at HAL' Nasik facility.
The first four MIG-21-93 fighters of the Indian Air Force, modernised with the assistance of Russian specialists, began test flights at the beginning of June 2001. India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is working to modernise Russian-made aircraft of this type is underway. The modernisation of the second-generation MIGs will make it possible to turn them into multifunctional, multipurpose up-to-date fighters of the fourth generation with wide operational possibilities and high safety of flights. They are being fitted out with repeatedly improved firepower, delivery means and avionics, and their service life is extended till 2010-2015.
According to the existing plans, 125 MIGs which form the basis of India's Air Force will be modernised step by step by the year of 2004. Besides the improved engines of Russian make, French and Israeli avionics is being installed on the fighters. The installation of the Russian multifunctional radar system Kopyo which simultaneously fixes eight targets and picks two most dangerous ones for an attack is the main element of the modernisation. The contract to the tune of 340 million dollars was signed by the two governments back in 1996. Under it, the specialists of the Russian enterprise MAPO-MIG have fully modernised two fighters at the Sokol plant in Nizhni Novgorod.
Under number reported to have been released by India's Defence Ministry in March 2006, 54 MiG-21 aircraft were reported to have crashed in the seven years prior.
