The Indian Air Force is seeking to withdraw all Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Bison aircraft from service in 2025. (Indian Air Force)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is transferring Sukhoi Su-30MKIs from other operational squadrons to ensure that a former Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 squadron remains in active service.
On 31 October the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the IAF's No 4 Squadron (Oorials) was converting from MiG-21s to Su-30MKIs.
A senior officer in the IAF told Janes that the Su-30MKIs re-equipping No 4 Squadron are not newly acquired aircraft. “These aircraft have been taken from other operational squadrons in the air force to re-equip No 4 Squadron,” the officer said.
Janes understands that this was done by transferring several aircraft, personnel, and associated support equipment from other units to No 4 Squadron. According to Janes inventory data, the IAF operated 14 squadrons with Su-30MKIs until No 4 Squadron began the transition to Sukhois.
The conversion of No 4 Squadron now increases that number to 15 squadrons, albeit with the same pooled strength of aircraft. According to Janes inventory data, the IAF has 263 Su-30MKIs on charge.
“We cannot disclose the exact number of Su-30MKIs transferred to No 4 Squadron. What we can say is that No 4 Squadron is currently operational,” the officer said. “Personnel within No 4 Squadron not qualified for operations on the Su-30MKI have been transferred to the IAF's two remaining MiG-21 Bison squadrons.”
The remaining Bison squadrons include No 3 Squadron (Cobras) at Nal-Bikaner and No 23 Squadron (Panthers) at Suratgarh, according to Janes All the World's Air Forces. Both squadrons operate with the IAF's Western Air Command, facing Pakistan.
Janes
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...