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6 MiG-21 crashes since 2021: A look back at the Flying Coffin

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Dristi Sharma
Dristi SharmaJul 29, 2022 | 18:25

6 MiG-21 crashes since 2021: A look back at the Flying Coffin

The Flying Coffin

MiG-21 jets have been involved in numerous accidents over the past few years, justifying, tragically, its infamous moniker 'Flying Coffin'.

Two MiG-21 fighter pilots were killed in a crash in Rajasthan's Barmer district on Friday (July 28) night. The Mikoyan-Gurevich-21 or MiG-21, which has been involved in numerous accidents over the years, is back under the scanner. 

The MiG-21 in India: India introduced the MiG-21 into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1963. Since then, 872 MiG-21s have been inducted into the IAF. The Russians stopped manufacturing the MiG-21 in 1985, but the IAF still flies it as one of its frontline fighter aircraft.

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Since it was inducted into the IAF, there have been over 200 MiG-21 crashes, killing more than 200 pilots and almost 50 civilians.

The Flying Coffin: Since January 2021, there have been 6 accidents involving the MiG-21.

Last night's tragedy involving the MiG-21 took the lives of two pilots: Wing Commander Mohit Rana, 37, and Flight Lieutenant Advitiya Bal, 26.

Following the Barmer tragedy, a court of inquiry has been ordered.

Last updated: July 29, 2022 | 18:25
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