Latest news with #F-104
News18
25-07-2025
- General
- News18
MiG-21 Legacy: When India's Mach 2 Jet Outclassed Pakistan's F-104
The MiG-21FL shot down four F-104s with its 23mm missile. Nicknamed 'The Widowmaker', the F-104 was retired by Pakistan post-war, unable to match the MiG-21's agility Nearly 62 years after it first took to the skies, the legendary MiG-21 is set to bid farewell to active service in the Indian Air Force. Once India's answer to America's denial of the F-104 Starfighter, this Soviet-origin jet emerged as a symbol of speed, agility, and aerial dominance. As the IAF prepares to retire its last MiG-21 squadron, it marks the end of an era defined by the jet's historic triumphs over Pakistan's F-104 Starfighter and France's Mirage III in multiple air battles. MiG-21 Got The NATO Tag 'Fishbed' NATO dubbed India's MiG-21 as 'Fishbed'. The MiG-21, introduced into the Indian Air Force in the 1960s, was a Soviet Union marvel. Its compact, lightweight design and Mach 2 speed made it an instant favourite. Known for its simplicity, robustness, and cost-effective maintenance, the MiG-21 proved lethal in combat. India began manufacturing it under licence through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 1963. Pakistan's F-104 Starfighter Proved Overhyped Pakistan's F-104 Starfighter, hailed as a 'missile with a man" by the US, was sleek and fast, but in combat, it proved far less effective than India's rugged MiG-21. While the F-104's thin, straight wings gave it impressive speed, they also made the aircraft difficult to handle and less maneuverable in dogfights. In contrast, the MiG-21, known for its agility and robustness, outperformed the Starfighter multiple times during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, exposing the limitations of Pakistan's much-hyped jet. The MiG-21FL managed to shoot down four F-104s with its 23mm missile. The F-104 which earned the grim nickname 'The Widowmaker', was eventually retired by Pakistan post-war, unable to match the agility and manoeuvrability of the MiG-21. The MiG-21's superior agility, tighter turn rate, and easier maintenance made it far more effective in air combat, contributing to multiple aerial victories and ultimately proving to be the more reliable fighter. What Makes India's MiG-21 Iconic? The MiG-21's affordability and ease of maintenance made it special for India. While the F-104 required extensive infrastructure and support to operate, the MiG-21 could function effectively with minimal resources, making it far more practical in combat scenarios. Its Tumansky R-25 engine, capable of producing 97.4 kilonewtons of power at low altitude, coupled with its delta wing design, allowed swift turns and rapid flight, crucial during the 1971 war. The MiG-21 not only defeated the F-104 but significantly contributed to Bangladesh's independence. A rocket strike on Dhaka's Governor's House forced the Pakistani leadership to capitulate. Furthermore, the MiG-21 demonstrated its prowess in the Kargil war of 1999 and the Balakot attack in 2019, marking its legacy in India's military history. view comments First Published: 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.
NDTV
13-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
60 Years Before Op Sindoor, Pak's Sargodha Airbase Saw Legendary Dogfight
New Delhi: Among the Pakistan airbases India targeted during Operation Sindoor is Sargodha in Punjab. Satellite images following India's airstrikes show a damaged runway at Sargodha, now named after Pakistan's former air chief Mushaf Ali Mir, who died in a crash in 2003. About 60 years ago, during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, the Sargodha airbase was at the centre of some legendary dogfights between the two air forces. And one such dogfight, between India's vintage Mystere IV A fighter and Pakistan's far more advanced F-104 starfighter, established that it is not the plane, but the pilot who determines the result in a dogfight. Unfortunately, it took over two decades for this pilot, Squadron Leader AB Devayya, to get his due. Twenty-two years after he died and was buried in Pakistan, this pilot became the only Indian Air Force personnel to be awarded posthumously the Maha Vir Chakra, the country's second-highest gallantry award. The Epic Battle On September 6, the Pakistani Air Force struck Indian bases at Adampur, Halwara, Pathankot, and Jamnagar. The next day, the Indian Air Force launched a fierce counterstrike and bombed the Sargodha airbase. Squadron Leader AB Devayya was flying a Dassault Mystere IV A and engaged with a far-superior PAF Starfighter, flown by Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain and both planes crashed. While the Pakistani pilot ejected safely, Devayya could not. The remaining Indian squadron was unaware of this dogfight in which Devayya took down the superior Starfighter. A Forgotten Hero Squadron Leader Devayya was considered missing, with the Indian security establishment unaware of his heroic feat. 'India-Pakistan Air War of 1965', a Pakistan-sponsored book by British aviation historian John Fricker published in 1979, mentioned a dogfight between a Mystere and the Starfighter flown by Flt Lt Hussain. "In staying with the Starfighter, the Mystere fighter showed commendable courage and gained an advantage when Flt Lt Ahmed made the mistake of reducing down in an attempt to out-turn his determined opponent. The F-104 pilot failed to clear its tail during the dogfight and the Mystere pressed home its attack and scored several cannon strikes on the Starfighter." The Revelation Several claims in Fricker's book have been challenged and called out as propaganda for Pakistan. PVS Jagan Mohan, co-author of 'India-Pakistan Air War of 1965', said in a podcast that Group Captain OP Taneja, Commanding Officer of No.1 Squadron, had read Fricker's book and concluded that it was Devayya who shot down the F-104, as he was the only casualty in the raid. Flight Lt B Guha was killed in action later in the evening in another raid. Mr Mohan told air force historian PR Ganapathy on the Blue Skies Podcast that all Indian aircraft part of the morning raid returned to Adampur except the one flown by Devayya. Group Captain Taneja then wrote to Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif and requested that he recommend Squadron Leader AB Devayya's name for the Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous). Recognition, Decades Later Squadron leader Devayya is believed to have died on Pakistani soil after a crash following the dogfight. He was 32. Twenty-two years later, his wife Sundari Devayya received the Maha Vir Chakra on his behalf. And six decades after his death, his story was retold in the Bollywood movie Sky Force. Many still don't know about this Indian pilot's courageous feat, but every time Sargodha is mentioned, those who know think about Squadron Leader Devayya and his battle to the death.
