The latest MiG crash in Rajasthan which killed three civilians adds yet another chapter to the inglorious history of these aircraft which is part tragedy and part farce. These aircraft from the 60s which should have been replaced decades ago still constitute three squadrons of the Indian Air Force which shows how broken the modernisation and defence planning process is. In just five years the IAF has lost over 50 aircraft and helicopters and 55 military personnel. Besides the MiGs, many indigenously produced Dhruv, advanced light helicopters have crashed putting a big question mark on the country's defence preparedness at a time when it is staring down the barrel at a two-front war with both China and Pakistan. Russian weapon platforms which India has procured in huge numbers over the past decades have a chequered history worldwide. India cannot afford to put all its eggs in one basket ; procurement has to be diversified, indigenous production should be speeded up and outdated battle machinery especially aircraft must be quickly phased out to give our armed forces a fighting chance in the event of war.
