MiG-21 Set to Retire Today After 62 Years of Service

End of an Era: MiG-21 Out of Service After 62 Years of Legendary Operation in IAF

The MiG-21, the fighter jet that has defined India’s air power for over six decades, will officially retire today, September 26, 2025, at a ceremonial farewell to be held at Chandigarh Airbase. This ceremonial event will mark the retirement of the longest-serving aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The ceremony will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chief guest, along with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and senior officers from across all IAF commands. Their presence will underscore the significance of the MiG-21’s remarkable journey in India’s defence history.

From Induction to Iconic Legacy

The MiG-21 joined the Indian Air Force in 1963 as the country’s first supersonic fighter jet. It could fly faster than the speed of sound and completely changed the way India fought in the skies. First made in the Soviet Union and later built in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the jet was nicknamed “Vikram” because of its incredible speed and sharp manoeuvres.

At its height, the IAF had well over 850 MiG-21s, close to 600 of which were made in India. The aircraft was the workhorse of the IAF for decades, providing the country with a technological superiority in the air. Today, as it retires, just 36 aircraft survive, all of the legendary 23rd Squadron, Panthers.

Combat Achievements and Historical Significance

In India’s major military operations, the MiG-21 was a key player, including:

1965 Indo-Pak War: Marking what proved to be the first great battle.
1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: Proving its preeminence in air superiority roles.
1999 Kargil Conflict: Used in mountain-top operations.
2019 Balakot Air Strike: Took part in escort and air defence.

These achievements have established MiG-21’s record as the best fighter jet in IAF history.

A Controversial Legacy

In spite of the MiG-21’s great past, it has had a lot of safety issues. Its outdated design and absence of modern upgrades have led to numerous accidents over the years.

In a report by the Ministry of Defence, it is noted that over 400 MiG-21s have had fatal crashes, which in turn have resulted in the death of over 200 pilots. These figures have earned the aircraft dark nicknames such as ‘Flying Coffin’ and ‘Widow Maker.

Recent times have seen a series of accidents.

January 5, 2021: In Suratgarh, Rajasthan (pilot ejected out of harm’s way).

March 17, 2021: Disaster at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

May 20, 2021: In Moga, Punjab, a crash claimed the pilot’s life.

July 28, 2022: In Barmer, Rajasthan, there was an incident of a crash, which also resulted in 2 pilot deaths.

May 8, 2023: In Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, a crash saw the pilot eject to safety.

The accident rate is going up, which in turn is causing us to speed up the phase-out of the fleet.

A Historic Farewell Ceremony

The ceremony today will feature a sensational farewell flypast with two formations, ‘Badal’ and ‘Panther’, of six MiG-21 aircraft of No. 23 Squadron.

When the planes roar across the skies for the final time, they will be showered with a ceremonial water cannon salute on landing. In a symbolically powerful move, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh will fly the last sortie personally under the call sign ‘Badal 3’.

He will be joined by Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, who took part in the full-dress rehearsal. Her presence in the final flypast will highlight how the MiG-21 has shaped generations of Indian fighter pilots while also playing a role in empowering women in combat aviation.

Passing the Baton

The MiG-21’s last public display flight took place in October 2023 over Barmer, Rajasthan, signalling the beginning of its farewell phase. With its retirement today, the aircraft will make way for advanced fighters like the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A and the Rafale, which will now form the backbone of India’s future air power.

India has been among the last operators of the MiG-21, long after Russia and China retired theirs. The IAF went on to use upgraded variants like the MiG-21 Bison due to cost and strategic considerations, but the dangers eventually proved greater than the advantages.

The End of an Era

For over six decades, the MiG-21 has been not only an aircraft but also a metaphor of India’s military ascendancy. It was used in wars, trained pilots in generations, and was a part of triumphs and tragedies in the country’s aviation history.

As the IAF says goodbye today at Chandigarh, the MiG-21 will thunder through the skies for the last time before giving way to a new future headed by Tejas and Rafale. Its retirement would bring to an end a glorious chapter, but the MiG-21’s legacy will forever be imprinted in India’s defence history.

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MiG-21 Set to Retire Today After 62 Years of Service