Indian-Subcontinent Database
MiG-21 in Indian Service, Part 2
By Tom Cooper
Oct 29, 2003, 05:18

C751 was flown by the No. 30 Sqn sometimes in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The aircraft was also seen in low-viz camouflage, shortly before this unit was number-plated (i.e. disbanded).

A very rare look at one of the dedicated EW MiG-21Ms from the No. 35 Sqn. A pair of offensive jammers are carried. Although the exact type is unknown, they are reportedly of Swedish origin. The 'B' flight of No.35 also used to operate Canberra B(I) 58s equipped with Italian jammers. The Rapiers were the IAF's first dedicated EW squadron, raised by former-ACM S. Krishnaswamy ( IAF via B Harry )

A "standard" MiG-21M or MF C1540 of another little-known IAF unit, the No 37 Sqn, "Black Panthers".

A heavy-working MiG-21bis C2281 of the No. 45 Sqn. Note the additional aerials on the upper and the lower side of the front fuselage - probably connected with the IFF-system. This unit became better known in the public since two of its members shot down a Pakistan Navy Atlantique, on 10 August 1999.

The little-known No 101 Sqn "Falcons" applies some of the most beautifull and spectacular insignia on its MiGs. This one was seen sometimes in the 1990s.

The No. 101 Sqn also flew MiG-21bis (or "Vikram" as the aircraft was named in IAF service) during the early 1990s. Interestingly, this specific example wears a serial that is directly in the sequence to the MiG-21MF above, which might mean that it was one of the earliest MiG-21bis in service with the Indian Air Force. The two green fields on the fin should be markings used for recognition "friend-or-foe" during exercises.

Probably the best known IAF MiG-21FL is this example, seen in service either during the Bagladesh War or at another time in the early 1970s, while being equipped with the GSh-9 gun pod. Usually described as wearing "tiger stripes", the aircraft has actually got an improvised heavy camouflage in random pattern, which points at the likelyhood of this being applied during the war in 1971, when a number of Indian MiG-21FLs and Su-7s have got a similar pattern. Note that the strips of dark brown (some sources say black) were in part applied also over the lower surfaces originally painted light blue.