Veteran Pilot Abhay Verma Among Last to Fly MiG‑21, Calls Aircraft a “Flying Bomb”

Abhay Verma, a retired squadron leader who logged more than a decade of flight time on the Soviet‑origin MiG‑21, told reporters he is among the “last few” pilots who have ever sat in the cockpit of the aircraft. Speaking at a recent aviation symposium, Verma described the MiG‑21 as a “flying bomb” because of its antiquated design, limited avionics, and a historically high accident rate. He recounted that, despite the jet’s legendary speed and maneuverability, its thin airframe, outdated fire‑control systems, and lack of modern safety features made every sortie a calculated risk. “When you’re flying a machine that was designed in the 1950s, you’re constantly aware that any minor malfunction can become catastrophic,” Verma said.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been steadily phasing out the MiG‑21 fleet, replacing it with newer platforms such as the indigenous HAL Tejas and the French‑made Rafale. The decision follows a series of high‑profile mishaps that have drawn public scrutiny and prompted calls for accelerated modernization. While the MiG‑21 once formed the backbone of India’s air defence, its operational relevance has eroded as air combat doctrine has shifted toward network‑centric warfare and precision‑guided weaponry. Defense officials have emphasized that the retirement plan will free up resources for advanced training simulators and next‑generation aircraft, aligning the IAF with contemporary strategic requirements.

Verma’s remarks echo a broader sentiment among veteran aviators who view the MiG‑21 as a symbol of past glory but an untenable liability in today’s high‑stakes environment. As the IAF moves toward a fully modernized fleet, the iconic “Fishbed” is expected to disappear from active service within the next few years, marking the end of an era for Indian military aviation.