25-07-2025
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.
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