Q. No. 374 Operation of upgraded MiG 21bis

Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that MiG-21bis is likely to remain operational in its upgraded version until 2019;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that the MiG-21bis will be decommissioned two years later than they were originally scheduled to be decommissioned; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) & (b): The upgraded version of MIG-21bis aircraft, known as ‘Bison’, is planned to be operational beyond 2019 till 2025.

(c) & (d): MIG-21bis is planned to be decommissioned in 2018, as originally scheduled.