MiG-21 Retires After 62 Years: End of an Era for Indian Air Force

India bid an emotional farewell to the MiG-21, its first supersonic fighter aircraft, after more than six decades of remarkable service. On 26 September 2025, at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, the aircraft performed its final sortie, marking the end of an era in India’s aviation history. The farewell was not merely a routine retirement but a symbolic closure of a chapter that shaped India’s aerial combat capability for generations.

The last operational flight was undertaken by Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh under the callsign Badal 3, representing the No. 23 Squadron “Panthers.” A water-cannon salute, a formation flypast, and aerobatic displays created a poignant yet celebratory atmosphere. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his tribute, described the MiG-21 as more than a machine — a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and India-Russia defence cooperation.

(File) Four MiG-21 FL aircraft fly past for the last time during the 'phasing out ceremony' at the Kalaikunda Air Force Station, in Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. PTI | Firstpost

From Induction to Icon

The journey of the MiG-21 in India began in 1963, when the aircraft was inducted into the Indian Air Force, catapulting India into the supersonic age. At a time when global aviation was undergoing rapid transformation, the MiG-21 gave India a significant strategic edge. Over the years, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited manufactured several variants under license, ensuring the aircraft remained the backbone of the fleet.

At its peak, the Indian Air Force operated nearly 850 MiG-21s across different variants. Despite newer generations of aircraft being introduced, the MiG-21 continued to hold its place in India’s squadrons thanks to periodic upgrades, most notably the “Bison” modernization program.

Battle-Tested Warrior

The MiG-21’s long career was punctuated by significant combat experience. During the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the aircraft proved to be a formidable adversary in both interception and strike missions. Its role in the 1971 war was particularly critical, helping India secure decisive air superiority. In later years, the MiG-21 also flew missions during the 1999 Kargil conflict and was part of frontline deployments during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.

While celebrated for its agility and speed, the jet also earned a controversial reputation. Frequent crashes over the decades, often due to aging airframes and technical limitations, earned it the grim nickname “flying coffin.” More than 480 crashes were reported during its operational life. Still, many pilots defended the aircraft, praising its responsiveness and reliability within its operational limits.

The Farewell Ceremony

The decommissioning ceremony at Chandigarh reflected both nostalgia and pride. The event featured flypasts involving MiG-21s alongside newer platforms like the Tejas and Jaguars, while the Surya Kiran aerobatic team and the Akash Ganga skydiving team added spectacle to the solemn occasion. One of the highlights was Squadron Leader Priya Sharma’s participation, symbolizing how far the Indian Air Force has come in terms of inclusivity since the MiG-21 first entered service.

Veterans who had flown the MiG-21 gathered to share their memories, recalling the aircraft’s role in defining India’s aerial strategy during some of the country’s most crucial moments.

Looking Ahead

With the retirement of the MiG-21, the Indian Air Force’s fighter strength drops to 29 squadrons, well below the recommended 42 needed to counter both China and Pakistan. This shortfall places urgency on modernization efforts. The government has already signed major deals for indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, including an order for 97 new jets, and is looking at expanding its fleet of Rafales while boosting indigenous design and manufacturing.

The retired MiG-21s will not vanish entirely. Some will find a second life in museums, training institutes, and war memorials across India, serving as reminders of the nation’s journey from fledgling air power to a regional aviation force.

The MGMM Outlook

The retirement of the MiG-21 marks a deeply emotional milestone in India’s defence journey. For over six decades, this supersonic jet not only safeguarded the skies but also became a living symbol of India’s strength, courage, and resilience. From its induction in 1963 to its final flight in 2025, the aircraft defined aerial warfare for the nation, securing victories in the 1965 and 1971 wars, playing a critical role in Kargil, and even standing tall during the 2019 Balakot operations. While its career was clouded by frequent crashes that earned it the grim moniker “flying coffin,” for countless pilots and defence enthusiasts, the MiG-21 was never just a machine — it was a warrior that carried India’s aspirations and sacrifices through some of the most testing times. Its farewell at Chandigarh was not merely ceremonial but a tribute to an era that shaped the very soul of the Indian Air Force.

As we look ahead, the MiG-21’s departure leaves both nostalgia and an urgent reminder of the challenges facing India’s air defence. With the IAF’s squadron strength down to 29 against the required 42, the pressure to accelerate modernization is greater than ever. Indigenous aircraft like the Tejas Mk-1A, future advanced variants, and the continued induction of Rafales are not just replacements but a strategic necessity to keep India secure in a volatile neighbourhood. The MiG-21, now headed for museums and memorials, will remain a timeless reminder of India’s rise in the skies — a bridge between the past and the future, between resilience and renewal.

(Sources: India Today, Firstpost, NDTV)