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Time of India
22-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
MiG-21 retires after 62 yrs in service: IAF bids farewell to ‘flying coffin'; why it's a big deal
NEW DELHI: After serving for over six decades and participating in all major conflicts, the MiG-21 fighter jet is set to retire from the , with a ceremonial farewell scheduled for September. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The final MiG-21 jets, belonging to number 23 Squadron, known as the Panthers, will be retired on September 19 during a ceremony at the Chandigarh airbase. The aircraft leave behind a mixed legacy, once India's first supersonic jets that provided a strategic edge in the 1960s and '70s, they were later marred by frequent accidents, earning the nickname 'flying coffin'. With the retirement of Squadron 23, the Indian Air Force's combat strength will drop to just 29 squadrons, its lowest since the 1960s. Even during the 1965 war, the IAF maintained 32 fighter squadrons. Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 fighter jets have served the Air Force for 62 years in various versions. They played key roles in the 1965 war with Pakistan, the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Even during the ongoing Operation Sindoor, the last active MiG-21 squadron has remained on operational alert. "No other fighter has been associated with the IAF for as long as the MiG-21 - an incredible two-thirds of the IAF's 93-year history is inextricably linked to this jet. It has served in every combat action since 1965, through to Op Sindoor, and has touched the career of nearly every Indian fighter pilot alive today, in some form or another. There is no doubt this will be an emotional farewell to a legend of Indian skies," aviation expert Angad Singh was quoted as saying by the ET. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sources quoted by ET said ceremony will be attended by senior air force officials and veterans who have been associated with the MiG-21 fleet over the years. The event will feature flypasts and static displays to commemorate the occasion. In addition to holding the record for the longest service in the Indian Air Force, the MiG-21 fleet was also the largest ever operated by the country. India acquired over 850 MiG-21 aircraft, including trainer variants, with nearly 600 built domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Although the MiG-21's operational life was considered long over, the Air Force continued extending the fleet's service due to delays in acquiring sufficient modern fighter jets. The remaining squadrons were originally set to be replaced by the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk1A), but repeated delays in deliveries have pushed back the transition. With inputs from Manu Pubby
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nagastra-1R suicide drone: Check the features of this Made-in-India drone
The Indian Army has placed an order for 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions as part of its continued drive to enhance precision-strike capabilities and modernize its artillery and infantry support systems. Developed by Nagpur-based Solar Industries , the indigenous system represents a significant step toward self-reliance in next-generation tactical weaponry under the 'Make in India' initiative. 480 drones were ordered in 2024 Under the Indian Army's Emergency Procurement Powers, an order was placed with Solar Industries' Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) for 480 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions. Following successful pre-delivery inspections, EEL delivered 120 units to an Army Ammunition Depot. "After successful completion of pre-delivery inspections, EEL delivered 120 Loiter Munitions to an Army Ammunition Depot," defence officials told ANI. Features of Nagastra-1 'Suicide Drone' The Nagastra-1 is a UAV-based loitering munition designed to act as an aerial ambush system. Its primary function is to hover above targets and execute precision strikes with GPS-enabled accuracy, achieving a remarkable precision of 2 meters. Precision Strike Capability: In "Kamikaze mode," Nagastra-1 can neutralize hostile threats by directly striking the target and destroying itself in the process. High Altitude Operation: The drone can fly at altitudes over 4,500 meters, making it difficult to detect by radar. Surveillance Equipment: It is equipped with day-night surveillance cameras and a warhead capable of defeating soft-skin targets. Endurance and Range: The fixed-wing electric UAV can operate for 60 minutes, with a man-in-loop control range of 15 kilometers and an autonomous mode range of 30 kilometers. Recovery Mechanism: The Nagastra-1 has an abort, recover, and reuse feature. If the target is not detected or the mission is aborted, it can be called back and safely landed using a parachute system, making it superior to similar systems developed by advanced countries. Strategic Advantages The Nagastra-1 drones are designed for precision strikes on enemy training camps, launch pads, and infiltrators, reducing the risk to soldiers. These man-portable drones are silent due to their electric propulsion and low acoustic signature, making them ideal for infantry operations. Live Events 'The drones are a cost-effective solution for targeting relatively lower-end threats, such as groups of infiltrating terrorists on the border. The drones also feature a parachute recovery mechanism, allowing them to be retrieved and reused in case of an aborted mission," as reported by Manu Pubby for ET. Indigenous Development and Cost Efficiency Developed entirely in India by EEL, Nagastra-1 boasts over 75% indigenous content, reducing reliance on foreign sources. This domestic production capability has resulted in significant cost savings compared to similar systems previously acquired from foreign vendors. The drones are capable of operating in extreme temperatures and high-altitude conditions, further enhancing their strategic value.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Morning Brief Podcast: Pahalgam Attack: India Strikes Back
Morning Brief Podcast (ET Bureau) Anirban Chowdhury | 22:03 Min | April 25, 2025, 8:27 AM IST India has responded to the terror attacks in Pahalgam that claimed at least 25 lives of innocent tourists. A quick probe has been followed by a 5 point onslaught that strikes at an age old water sharing agreement, infiltration, visas and diplomatic representation. Is a war imminent? Host Anirban Chowdhury is joined by ET's defence expert Manu Pubby and diplomatic editor Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury for an in-depth breakdown of the ongoing investigation, India's counter strike and what lies ahead. Tune in.
