CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Indian government has decided to let go of the historic symbol that marked the one of the Indian Air Force’s most iconic moments around three years ago. The force has decided to retire one of its four remaining squadrons of MiG-21 fighter jets on September 30, Hindustan Times reported. The Srinagar-based no.

Detailed explanation-2: -With this the IAF is left with three MiG-21 Bison squadrons, which will be phased out in the next three years. The Squadron had stopped its flying operations from June 30, 2022 ahead of its number-plating, the IAF said in a statement.

Detailed explanation-3: -The No. 51 Squadron is to be retired by the end of September, “as per the plan”, the defence sources said. The remaining three squadrons of MiG-21 will be phased out by 2025, they said.

Detailed explanation-4: -The fleet size of the IAF has decreased to 33 squadrons during this period because of the retirement of older aircraft. Still, India maintains the fourth largest air force in the world.

Detailed explanation-5: -The IAF operates about 66 of the Soviet/Russian origin fighters in three squadrons.