The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to phase out the MiG-23 and MiG-25 from its fleet of fighter aircraft. This is being done to reduce the types of aircraft in the IAF inventory in order to have a more composite force structure . "There will be no extension in the flying life of these two types, nor will new ones be obtained as replacements," an IAF spokes-man said. The MiG-23 is primarily a ground attack aircraft while the MiG-25 is a strategic reconnaissance platform."This is a well-considered decision on operational grounds," a top IAF source said. It involves the phasing out of about 123 aircraft over the next few years.

"For better logistical management, it's sensible not to have too many types. Besides, these were inducted for a role envisaged over two decades ago. The operational spectrum has since changed, both in terms of threats and alternate platforms available," he explained.

The MiG-25 R/U high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, for instance, doesn't really have a future, although it's the fastest in the world, because the IAF now has access to a military satellite and unmanned aerial vehicles. It was a MiG-25 which streaked across Islamabad in 1998 in that famous "violation of Pak airspace". But the same job can now perhaps be done more safely and better by satellite . The IAF has three squadrons of the MiG-23BN ground attack aircraft and one squadron of the MiG-23MF air defence fighter (interceptor). Besides, there are 16 MiG-23BN variants for the electronic warfare role and six combat-capable trainers of the type. There are eight MiG-25 R/Us in the IAF inventory.

While the MiG-23 is likely to be replaced by a combination of MiG-27 ground attack and Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft, there will be none for the MiG-25. "This platform doesn't fit into the long-term perspective planning of the IAF," an officer admits.

The decision has come around the same time that Russia has folded up the spares back-up for the MiG-23 and MiG-25. It has recently stopped manufacture of spares for these two types . But the IAF spokesman denied the decision was forced by the Russian move. "These are not overnight decisions. These involve long-term perspective planning, and are taken on operational grounds," he said.