India’s Final Farewell to the MiG‑21: The Fighter Jet That Defined an Era

On 24 July 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) officially retired its last squadron of MiG‑21 fighter jets, drawing curtains on more than sixty years of distinguished — and often controversial — service. The farewell was not just the end of an aircraft’s tenure but the conclusion of a chapter that shaped India’s air power, its military identity, and its strategic ambitions for generations.

(File) An Indian Air Force MIG-21 passes near Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. AFP | Firstpost

The Arrival of a Game‑Changer

When the MiG‑21 was inducted into the IAF in 1963, India was still searching for an edge in the skies. The nation had fought its first war with Pakistan in 1947 and faced mounting challenges along its borders. The MiG‑21, supplied by the Soviet Union, arrived as India’s first supersonic jet fighter, capable of breaking the sound barrier and reaching Mach 2. For a country building its aerospace industry from scratch, the MiG‑21 was nothing short of revolutionary.

It rapidly became the backbone of the IAF, equipping multiple squadrons across the country. Its sleek delta wings and compact frame made it agile, while its powerful Tumansky R‑25 engine allowed blistering climbs and quick engagements. At a time when Pakistan and China were modernizing their fleets, the MiG‑21 gave India a much‑needed qualitative edge.

Triumphs in the Theatre of War

The MiG‑21’s legend was cemented during the 1971 Indo‑Pakistan War, a conflict that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. On 12 December 1971, in a now‑famous dogfight, a MiG‑21 piloted by Flying Officer Bharat Bhushan Sikand shot down a Pakistani F‑104 Starfighter, which was then marketed as the “missile with a man in it.” The MiG‑21 also bombed key airstrips and provided close air support to Indian troops on multiple fronts.

In later years, the aircraft remained a workhorse during tense standoffs, from Kargil in 1999 to routine interceptions along the western and northern borders. Even as newer jets joined the IAF, the MiG‑21’s combat pedigree remained unmatched for a significant period, earning it a place in every Indian pilot’s training journey.

A Controversial Legacy: The “Flying Coffin”

Despite its glories, the MiG‑21 developed a reputation that haunted the IAF. The aircraft’s narrow landing gear, outdated ejection system in earlier variants, and the demands of high‑speed training led to numerous crashes. More than 200 pilots and over 60 civilians lost their lives in MiG‑21 accidents over the decades.

By the 1990s, as other countries retired their MiG‑21 fleets, India continued to fly upgraded variants such as the MiG‑21 Bison. These upgrades introduced better avionics, radar, and missile compatibility, but could not eliminate the risks that came with ageing airframes. The moniker “Flying Coffin” became a subject of public debate, with many questioning why the aircraft was still in service.

The Emotional Final Sortie

The IAF’s farewell to the MiG‑21 was as emotional as it was historic. At the Suratgarh airbase in Rajasthan, where the last MiG‑21 squadron was based, senior IAF officials, veterans who once flew the aircraft, and maintenance crews gathered to witness the final sortie. Jets roared across the sky in tight formations, their signature delta silhouettes cutting through the evening light one last time.

Speeches from commanding officers highlighted the dual nature of the MiG‑21’s service — both celebrated and mourned. Veterans spoke of missions flown in hostile skies, the thrill of mastering a jet that demanded absolute focus, and the pride of defending the nation with whatever resources were available. For many, the MiG‑21 was not merely a machine but a teacher, shaping their skills and courage.

Moving Beyond the MiG Era

India’s decision to finally retire the MiG‑21 is part of a broader modernization drive. Today, the IAF’s frontline defence relies on Sukhoi Su‑30MKI multirole fighters, the Dassault Rafale, and increasing numbers of indigenous HAL Tejas light combat aircraft. The retirement also frees up resources for advanced programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s planned stealth fighter currently in development.

Defence analysts note that the IAF is transitioning from a fleet dominated by imports to one that blends global best practices with Indian innovation. The MiG‑21’s long service taught invaluable lessons in maintenance, adaptation, and pilot training — lessons that will influence the design and operation of India’s future aircraft.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Lives On

The MiG‑21’s final flight is not merely an aviation milestone; it is a moment of national reflection. For decades, this jet safeguarded Indian skies, struck fear in adversaries, and gave young pilots their wings. Its record is written in both triumph and tragedy, but its significance in India’s journey toward modern air power cannot be overstated.

As the roar of the MiG‑21 fades into history, it leaves behind a legacy of speed, sacrifice, and resilience. India now looks to the future — to aircraft designed and built at home, to fleets that embody the lessons of the past, and to skies where the spirit of the MiG‑21 will always soar.

(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, NDTV)