Which Aircraft Is Called the "Flying Coffin"?
The term "Flying Coffin" is a grim nickname given to the MiG-21 fighter jet, especially in India due to its long and deadly service history.
Why is it called that?
Originally designed by the Soviet Union and inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, the MiG-21 was once considered a powerful supersonic fighter. However, over the decades, it became notorious for its high crash rate and outdated systems.
In India alone, more than 400 crashes involving MiG-21s have been reported, resulting in over 200 pilot deaths.
Major Incidents:
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In 2012, Defence Minister A.K. Antony confirmed 482 MiG-21 crashes since 1971.
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In 2023, a MiG-21 crash in Rajasthan killed two women and a child on the ground.
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In 2024, the Indian Air Force announced that all MiG-21s would be retired by 2025.