1:48 Indian Air Force MiG-21UM of the 108 Sqn Hawkeyes

[ride to live]

Kit :        1:48, Mig-21UM, Trumpeter (02865)

Decals : MDS Decals, Indian Air Force Roundels and Fin Flash (MDS-002) picked off Ebay. 

              Sqn Logo & serial Numbers were self made

              stencils from the kit decals

Diorama Parts were 3D printed

 

The Build 

The build was was rather stright forward . being a newer kit the fit and details were good. hardly used any putty. built OOB. except the decals  as I wanted to make an Indian Air Force version. a quick search online led me to a ebay vendor selling IAF roundels and fin flash. I was able to design and print the Squadron logo and Serial Numbers myself. and used the Kit decals for stencils and other markings. I have used various shades or Mr.Color  paints mix and matched.  the diorama components were printed on my 3D printer.    

 

The MiG-21 UM Trainer in the Indian Air Force

The MiG-21 UM, a two-seat trainer variant of the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet, holds a significant place in the annals of Indian military aviation. As a supersonic jet trainer, it has served as a critical link in transitioning Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots from subsonic trainers to frontline combat aircraft. Despite its ageing design, a cornerstone of Indian fighter pilot training for several decades, playing a crucial role in maintaining operational readiness and combat proficiency.

Historical Background

India inducted the MiG-21 into its air force in the early 1960s, making it one of the first countries outside the Soviet Union to operate the aircraft. Over the years, multiple variants of the MiG-21 were introduced into IAF service, including the MiG-21FL, MiG-21M, MiG-21bis, and the MiG-21 Bison. Alongside these combat variants, the MiG-21 UM was inducted in the 1970s as a dedicated trainer platform.

The MiG-21 UM ("Uchebno-Modificirovannyi" meaning "Modified for Training" in Russian) features dual controls, allowing instructors and trainees to operate the aircraft simultaneously. It was developed to provide pilots with supersonic flight experience before graduating to frontline combat duties. The UM retained much of the flight performance and handling characteristics of the single-seat variants, offering a realistic training environment.

Role in the Indian Air Force

The primary role of the MiG-21 UM in the IAF was to serve as an advanced jet trainer. It was used in the final stages of fighter pilot training, where aviators learned to handle the speed, altitude, and complexity of supersonic flight. The aircraft was also employed for type conversion training, allowing pilots to transition from older or less advanced aircraft to the MiG-21 Bison or other combat jets.

In addition to training, MiG-21 UMs were occasionally pressed into service for light operational roles, particularly in reconnaissance or as part of base-level readiness exercises. However, their main contribution remained in preparing generations of Indian fighter pilots for high-performance aviation.

MiG-21 UM remains enduring. For decades, it was the final step in shaping raw cadets into combat-ready fighter pilots. It served faithfully through times of both peace and conflict, including wars and heightened tensions with neighbouring countries.

The MiG-21 UM trainer played an indispensable role in the Indian Air Force's evolution. As a supersonic training aircraft, it bridged the gap between basic flight instruction and full combat readiness. While now largely retired, its contribution to India's air defense capabilities and pilot training cannot be overstated. The MiG-21 UM stands as a testament to a bygone era of military aviation — one that combined rugged performance with strategic importance

 

 

 

Edited April 12 by ride to live

[RidgeRunner]

Excellent work! This is an airframe that I have had in my mind to build too. More so, I want to one day get everything together for a build of MiG-21U-400 ‘U455’. One day I will

 

Martin

[Vultures1]

Wow, that's great! I really like the well worn but not over weathered finish, and the simple setting is really effective. Well done 👍 

[ForestFan]

Nicely done,looks like a well used airframe as I imagine these are/were

[Stephen]

That is a great build and a very nice diorama.

[Longhorn]

Very nice build, I never knew the MiG 21 had a bonnet!

[the Siberian]

Sheer awesomeness!! I have the same kit ready for paint. I was delayed when I learned that my original choice of scheme was for a grey cockpit airframe & not the turquoise one I built; my choice being dictated by the color Eduard PE set I had in hand. Thank you for the inspiration to drag it off the Shelf of Shame & get it done! Now to go see if I have that squadron logo in the decal tomb. I might even restart this one tonight, assuming I finish the workbench rebuild I'm on right now. 

[bettymoo]

Wonderful build. I have the same kit. Hope to do it the same justice you have. 

[Airbusboy]

All in all, a fantastic build that you should be proud of !

[GiampieroSilvestri]

Fantastic Mig-21UM!

 

Saluti

 

Giampiero

[wellsprop]

Stunning! 

[Tomcat101]

Very nice. The paint scheme is top notch.

[Sky Keg]

Superb presentation. Very realistic finish. Well done.  

 

Mike