New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to ground the entire fleet of aging MiG-21 fighter aircraft after a recent crash in Rajasthan claimed three lives, media reports said.

The MiG-21 fleet, comprising Soviet-origin aircraft, has been associated with over 400 accidents since its induction.

The grounding comes as investigations into the May 8 crash are ongoing, and IAF officials are actively probing the cause of the incident, India Today reported.

The MiG-21 fighter aircraft held a significant position in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a long time

Since its introduction in the early 1960s, the IAF acquired more than 700 MiG-21 fighters to enhance its combat capabilities.

Currently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) operates three MiG-21 squadrons, consisting of approximately 50 aircraft.

As part of the IAF's modernisation efforts, a timeline of three years was finalised last year to phase out the remaining MiG-21 fighter squadrons. This decision is in line with the IAF's plan to upgrade its fleet.

In February 2021, the government approved a Rs 48,000 crore agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 83 Tejas jets.

The IAF has already acquired 36 Rafale jets to enhance its combat capabilities.

Furthermore, the Air Force is currently in the process of acquiring 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA).