Indian Air Force to Convert MiG-21s into Target Drones for Missile Testing

After more than six decades of service, the Indian Air Force’s MiG-21 fighter jets are set for an unusual yet strategic transformation. Instead of heading to the scrapyard, several of these aircraft will be converted into remotely operated target drones to support India’s missile development programs.

The retrofitted MiG-21s will play a key role in upcoming live-fire trials of India’s cutting-edge air defence weapons, including the Akash-NG (Next Generation) missile, the XR-SAM (eXtra Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile), and the QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile). Defence officials highlight that these converted fighters will provide realistic, high-speed targets for validating the accuracy and reliability of these missile systems under operational conditions.

This decision ensures that the MiG-21-once the backbone of India’s fighter fleet-remains relevant even as it is gradually phased out of combat duty. By using existing airframes, the IAF is also adopting a cost-effective solution for weapons testing, reducing the need for expensive custom-built target drones.

Introduced in the early 1960s, the MiG-21 became one of the world’s most widely used fighter jets, seeing combat in multiple conflicts and training generations of Indian pilots. While its operational career has been marked by both achievements and controversies, its repurposing as a test platform symbolizes a new role in strengthening India’s missile shield.

Experts believe this move will accelerate India’s ongoing efforts to enhance indigenous missile capabilities while also paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the MiG-21.