ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

MiG-21 vs F-16: Is the Russian Fighter Really A Vintage Machine? 

On 28 February, the Indian Air Force claimed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by an Indian MIG -21 Bison.

Updated
India
2 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

On 28 February, the Indian Air Force claimed that a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by an Indian MiG -21 Bison. The announcement was historic for several reasons. Firstly, it was the first close aerial combat between Indian and Pakistani fighter planes since 1971. Secondly, this was the first time an F-16 was shot down by the Russian MiG-21.

The aerial battle between these fighter planes was soon projected as a David and Goliath story, where a vintage aircraft brought down a modern jet fighter. But is there a huge technological gap between these two aircraft? And is the Bison variant of MiG-21 really a Soviet vintage aircraft?

The Quint spoke to two retired Air Marshals, who had served as the air officer commanding-in-chief (C-in-C) of the IAF’s training command, to pitch these aircraft against each other on paper.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD
On 28 February, the Indian Air Force claimed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by an Indian MIG -21 Bison.
0

Expert’s Take

On 28 February, the Indian Air Force claimed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by an Indian MIG -21 Bison.
ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Dimensions

On 28 February, the Indian Air Force claimed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by an Indian MIG -21 Bison.
ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Avionics

On 28 February, the Indian Air Force claimed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by an Indian MIG -21 Bison.
ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Weapons

On 28 February, the Indian Air Force claimed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by an Indian MIG -21 Bison.
ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Air Battles

On 28 February, the Indian Air Force claimed a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by an Indian MIG -21 Bison.

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from news and india

Published: 
Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×