Latest news with #Bison
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
From war horse to ‘flying coffins': India's MiG-21s that helped liberate Bangladesh set for final flight
From war horse to 'flying coffins': India's MiG-21s that helped liberate Bangladesh set for final flight Team TOI Plus Jul 25, 2025, 07:43 IST IST A ceremonial farewell for these iconic jets, which took part in all major conflicts but later gained notoriety for a high crash rate, is scheduled for September 19 in Chandigarh The Indian Air Force's (IAF) first truly supersonic fighters — the Soviet-era MiG-21s, later manufactured in India — will take to the skies for the final time this September, marking the end of over six decades of service. Only two MiG-21 ' Bison ' squadrons remain in operation, comprising 36 aircraft based at the Nal airbase in Rajasthan. A ceremonial farewell for these iconic delta-wing jets, which took part in all major conflicts but later gained notoriety for a high crash rate, is scheduled for September 19 in Chandigarh.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
MiG-21s set for final flight in Sept after 62 years in service
Mi-21 fighters NEW DELHI: The first truly supersonic fighters to be inducted by the Indian Air Force from Russia in 1963 but plagued by an alarmingly high crash rate in later years, the MiG-21s will fly for the last time in Indian skies this Sept. The IAF is now left with only two MiG-21 'Bison' squadrons, totalling 36 fighters, at the Nal airbase in Rajasthan. The ceremonial farewell for the MiG-21s, after over six decades in service, which saw the old warhorses take part in all major conflicts, will take place at Chandigarh on Sept 19. After the first lot of MiG-21s were inducted from Russia, the single-engine jets were produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in large numbers and also underwent upgrades later. The highly-unforgiving and ageing MiG-21s, however, continued to lack modern systems with built-in safety mechanisms. Huge delays in the production of the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft, which were supposed to replace the virtually obsolete MiG-21s, means that the IAF will now be left with just 29 fighter squadrons. This when the IAF authorised 42.5 squadrons for the collusive challenge from China and Pakistan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo TOI had earlier reported the two remaining MiG-21 squadrons will be retired this year after the IAF repeatedly deferred the phasing out of the delta-wing jets due to the depletion in the number of its fighter squadrons. The MiG-21 jets and the Cheetah/Chetak helicopters, which number around 350 in the armed forces, in particular, should have been retired at least a couple of decades ago. Of the 872 MiG-21s progressively inducted by IAF, over 400 were lost in accidents since 1971-72. Crashes of different MiG variants, the bulk of them being MiG-21s, have killed well over 200 pilots and 50 civilians on the ground over the decades. The MiG-21s, however, did play a stellar role especially during the 1965 and 1971 wars.
News18
22-07-2025
- General
- News18
Indian Air Force To Retire MiG-21 Fighter Jets: A Complete Timeline
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its remaining Russian-made MiG-21 Bison fighter jets by September this year. (File Pic) At present, the IAF operates two squadrons of the upgraded Bison variant. Sources have indicated that a formal farewell ceremony is being planned to honour the aircraft that has served the nation for decades and played a pivotal role in several key operations. (File Pic) The MiG-21 Bison, an upgraded version of the MiG-21bis, had been first inducted into service in 1976. According to several reports, the MiG-21 had completed its retirement period in the mid-1990s. (File Pic) Notably, during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flew a MiG-21 Bison and engaged in a high-profile dogfight with Pakistani jets. Only the Bison variant of the MiG-21 remains in service today. (File Pic)
News18
22-07-2025
- General
- News18
Indian Air Force To Retire MiG-21 Fighter Jets, Used In Balakot Airstrikes, By Year-End
The Indian Air Force is set to retire its remaining MiG-21 Bison fighter jets by the end of this year. At present, the IAF operates two squadrons of the upgraded Bison variant. Sources have indicated that a formal farewell ceremony is being planned to honour the aircraft that has served the nation for decades and played a pivotal role in several key operations.
News18
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Mari Selvaraj Confirms Casting Dhanush For Next Film Karnan, Calls It A 'Big Project'
Last Updated: Mari Selvaraj confirms his collaboration with Dhanush is back on track. Filmmaker Mari Selvaraj has officially confirmed that his long-pending collaboration with Dhanush is back in motion. This announcement comes at a time when the director is gearing up for the release of his sports drama Bison Kaalamaadan, which hits theatres on October 17, during the Diwali weekend. Speaking at a recent event, Selvaraj said, 'Next, I will be working with Dhanush sir. We signed this film when I was working with Dhanush sir on Karnan. The film that we signed to do then was getting delayed for various reasons. It is a big project. In my life, I wanted to tell a simple story in a big way. This film is that project. I think this film will be a very important one. Work on this film has started and is going on. I am certain this film will be a milestone in my life." Meanwhile, the anticipation around Bison Kaalamaadan is building steadily. Featuring Dhruv Vikram in the lead as a Kabaddi player, the film promises to be an emotional and gritty sports drama. According to sources close to the project, it draws inspiration from real-life events and is a tribute to resilience, survival, and raw determination. Produced by Applause Entertainment and director Pa Ranjith's Neelam Studios, Bison also stars Anupama Parameswaran, Lal, Pasupathy, Rajisha Vijayan, Hari Krishnan, Azhagam Perumal, Aruvi Madhanand and Kalaiyarasan. In March, the makers released the film's first look, and Mari Selvaraj later shared a poetic announcement on its release: 'Theepidithu eriyum vanathirkul irundhu theepizhambaai deepavalikku varugiran thekkathi kaalamaadan." He added, 'A film for the festive season! A film for celebrations! Bison is arriving with a blast! Hitting the screens this October 17th during Diwali! A film of perseverance, determination and survival!" The film's lead actor Dhruv Vikram also penned an emotional note as the shoot wrapped: 'After years of preparation, several months of filming, shedding blood, sweat and tears, it's finally a wrap on BISON. The process of shooting and prepping for this film has changed my life. Thank you @mariselvaraj84 Sir for fortifying my soul and giving me an experience of a lifetime." With music by Nivas K Prasanna, cinematography by Ezhil Arasu K and editing by Sakthi Thiru, Bison Kaalamaadan looks all set to pack an emotional punch this Diwali. view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 15:47 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
