What is IAFs Heritage Flight programme set to revive MiG-21?
The iconic MiG-21, recently retired from the Indian Air Force, is set for a new lease on life within the IAF's 'Heritage Flight' programme. This initiative preserves and showcases the IAF's rich history by flying vintage aircraft. However, there are challenges of restoring legacy planes. IAF has made a strategic plan for the MiG-21's inclusion, allowing it to soar again as a living symbol of India's aviation legacy.
New Delhi: In September this year, the Indian Air Force’s MiG-21 was accorded an emotional farewell after its retirement. However, it is set to get a new lease of life.
According to a report in The Tribune, the MiG-21, the country’s first supersonic fighter-interceptor, is to be revived under the Indian Air Force’s 'Heritage Flight' programme.
What is 'Heritage Flight' programme
The 'Heritage Flight' is the formal vintage aircraft flying programme launched by IAF. It was established to preserve and showcase the rich history, legacy, and strength of the IAF.
The programme was earlier known as the 'Vintage Aircraft Flight'. It was in April 1988 that the IAF’s vintage wing was set up at the Air Force Station in Palam. However, it was disbanded in 1989. The programme was revived in 2012, and it was named as 'Heritage Flight'. It has the British-made de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, the American T-6G Harvard, and the Douglas C-47 Dakota in its collection.
The programme involves flying retired or vintage aircraft on special occasions. This is done to offer the public a living glimpse into the IAF's history rather than showcasing active combat aircraft. It is aimed to bridge the past and the present. These vintage aircraft serve as living symbols of the IAF’s evolution — from its early training and transport machines to today’s advanced fighters. The programme goes a long way in legacy preservation, while highlighting the technological progress, sacrifices and milestones of Indian aviation.
In October, during the 93rd Indian Air Force Day celebrations, the restored Hindustan Trainer-2 (HT-2) made its debut appearance. The HT-2, India’s first indigenously developed aircraft, flew alongside the Tiger Moth to mark the event. Currently, the IAF is assessing a MiG-21 aircraft in Nashik for including it in the programme.
Plan chalked out for MiG-21's inclusion
Restoring legacy aircraft is a huge task for the IAF as it poses difficulties in maintaining airframes and engines and sourcing spare parts. But, as the MiG-21 was license-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an inventory of spare components is already available. Besides, with decades of experience, the IAF has chalked out a plan for sub-unit replacement.
In 2023, during the 91st Air Force Day celebrations, the MiG-21s made their final aerial display over the Sangam area in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The flight saw the MiG-21s share the skies with the Rafales — showcasing the IAF’s journey from its past to its future. Before the MiG-21’s official retirement on September 25, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Indian Air Force chief, carried out solo sorties on the aircraft. After 62 years of service, the MiG-21 was retired in Chandigarh on September 26 this year.
With the MiG-21 set to join the heritage fleet, the Heritage Flight programme is expected to spread its wings further and expand both the range of aircraft featured and the frequency of the displays. The aircraft will soon start on a new journey and script a new chapter as it takes to the skies once again.