MiG-21 To Retire In September After 62 Years of Service

MiG 21 To Retire In September After 62 Years of Service

MiG-21 Set for Final Flight: India Bids Farewell to a Fighter Jet That Defined an Era

The MiG-21 is not an airplane. It’s an emotion, a legacy, and a legend in Indian skies.

On 19 September 2025, the IAF will retire its last MiG-21 aircraft in a ceremony marking the end of over six decades of remarkable service. The farewell ceremony at the Chandigarh Air Force Station will be a grand and emotional farewell to the iconic fighter that has characterized generations of Indian pilots and military history. The occasion represents the sunset of an era as the 23 Squadron Panthers –the last squadron to fly the MiG-21 – get ready to ground the aircraft forever.

A journey that began in 1963

The MiG-21 was commissioned into the IAF in 1963, and it was India's 1st Supersonic Fighter Plane. It was a quantum jump in India’s Air Combat Capabilities with regional tensions and wars looming over the horizon. Designed initially by the Soviet Union and Horizon. Designed initially by the soviet union and subsequently licensed and assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited [HAL], the MiG-21 was the plane that introduced speed, power, and modernity to the IAF.

In the course of only a few years, the MiG-21 would prove to be the mainstay of the Indian aerial power. Its induction enabled India to shift gears from Supersonic to a Subsonic air force and, in effect, give its combat strategy a modern nose. Then the delta-winged MiG-21 was cutting-edge technology – fast, agile, and an excellent dogfighter.

 

Combat Legacy- From 1965 to Balakot

The MiG-21 was instrumental in almost all the major Indian military operations, starting from the 1965 Indo-Pak war to the 1971 Bangladesh liberation. In these wars, the aircraft had a reputation for its speed, manoeuvrability, and ability to outmaneuver many of the adversities in air battles.

During the 1971 war, MiG-21 annihilated Pakistan air bases in lightning-fast strikes and escorted ground troops. It was during this war that the MiG-21 became synonymous with a rising reputation as a strong force in South Asia.

Cut to the 1999 Kargil war, and the MiG-21 once again proved its long-lasting usefulness. Although newer systems had joined the fleet by then, the MiG-21 continued to be utilised successfully in different support combat roles. Most recently, it made headlines during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes when Wing Commander [now Group Captain] Abhinandan Varthaman piloted a MiG-21 Bison into action and took down a Pakistani F-16, an event that reignited national pride and international interest in this old warhorse.

The airplane has also played a major role in an operation Sindoor, the IAF's current strategic defence deployment.

 

The Flying Coffin Controversy

Despite its achievements, the MiG-21 has been at the centre of controversy due to a high number of crashes, especially in the last 2 decades. These unfortunate incidents earned it the infamous nickname: ‘Flying Coffin’.  Between 1970 and 2020, over 400 MiG-21s were lost in crashes, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 pilots. Mechanical failures, outdated systems, and the challenging nature of the aircraft contributed to its deteriorating reputation.

Critics asked why the plane lasted this long in service. The reason is the cost-effectiveness of the aircraft, existing infrastructure, and the slow pace of indigenous fighter development. Nevertheless, seeing the necessity of modernisation, the IAF slowly phased out the MiG-21 by introducing new jets such as the Tejas, Rafale, and upgraded Su-30MKIS.

 

A Pilot Making Machine

Although it had its limitations, the MiG-21 has flown and shaped generations of Indian fighter pilots. It was known in the IAF as the pilot maker due to the intense and intricate act of flying aircraft. Succeeding at the MiG-21 was a badge of honour – evidence that the pilot had arrived in the fighter stream. For most pilots, flying the MiG-21 was the highlight of their career. For those who had watched it fly overhead while they were growing up during Republic Day parades and air shows, it was a symbol of India’s Air Power.

As aviation expert Angad Singh so well puts it, “No Other fighter has served with the IAF for as long as the MiG-21. It has been a part of almost every military operation since 1965, including Op Sindoor. For many Indian fighter pilots this aircraft this aircraft has been an integral part of their career. Its retirement will be a very emotional moment.”

The Grand Farewell At Chandigarh

 The IAF has organised a ceremonial farewell for the MiG-21 at Chandigarh airbase on 19 September.

The Farewell will consist of:

  • Spectacular flypasts with the MiG-21 in formation
  • Static display pdf the aircraft for public and media viewing.
  • Tributes from serving and retired officers who have operated the aircraft.
  • Cultural and ceremonial events to pay tribute to the legacy of the MiG-21

The 23rd squadron anthers the last operational MiG-21 squadron, will formally disband, and their planes will be decommissioned.

 

What’s the nest for the IAF?

As the MiG-21 packs up its nags, the IAF goes from strength to strength. The indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft is tardily emerging as the new backbone of the fleet, complemented by procurements of Rafale, advanced Sukhoi modernisations and ongoing initiatives like ACME [Advanced Medium Combat Air Craft]

The MiG-21 retirements also highlight indigenisation and self-reliance in defence. India has gained precious experience in aviation technology, maintenance, and operational strategy-experience that will determine the future of Indian air power.

 

A Salute To A Legend

The MiG-21 is not just metal and honour. It is a reflection of India's emergence as a military force. From aspiring cadets who fantasized about flying fighters to war heroes who relived tales of valour, the MiG-21  is woven into the IAF. Say goodbye to this legendary warbird; it does so the pride, thankfulness, and profound emotion. The MiG-21's last flights might denote the close of its operational era, but its tale will inspire generations to come.

Farewell MiG-21. Thanks for watching our skies.

 

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