MiG-21 Retirement: India’s Iconic Supersonic Fighter Jet Bids Farewell After Six Decades of Service

After more than sixty years of glorious service, the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially retired, marking the end of an era in India’s aviation history. Introduced in the early 1960s as India’s first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft, the MiG-21 has defended the nation’s skies for decades and has now flown into the sunset. The IAF organized a grand farewell ceremony at Chandigarh, the very base where the MiG-21 was first inducted.

Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh, who became IAF Chief in 1981, had commanded the very first MiG-21 squadron. Over the years, these jets proved to be invaluable, playing key roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the Kargil conflict of 1999, and the Balakot airstrikes of 2019. From dogfights to precision strikes, the MiG-21 served as a trusted warhorse for generations of Indian pilots.

Paying tribute to the aircraft, the IAF recently shared a heartfelt note: “Six decades of service, countless tales of courage, a warhorse that carried the pride of a nation into the skies.” This statement reflects the emotional bond and respect that both the force and the country hold for the MiG-21.

Flypast, Water Cannon Salute, and Decommissioning Ceremony

The farewell ceremony at Chandigarh saw the last batch of MiG-21 aircraft from Squadron No. 23, famously known as the ‘Panthers’, officially decommissioned. The event was attended by top military leadership, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chief guest, alongside Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.

The ceremony featured a water cannon salute for the MiG-21 jets upon landing, followed by a ceremonial flypast that captured the emotions of countless IAF veterans and aviation enthusiasts. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, who earlier participated in the full-dress rehearsal, made history by becoming the last female fighter pilot to fly the MiG-21 before its retirement. Notably, Priya Sharma was commissioned as a Flying Officer after receiving her graduation certificate from former Army Chief Bipin Rawat.

The MiG-21: Backbone of the Indian Air Force

VIDEO | Chandigarh: IAF’s MiG-21 fighter jets take to skies for the one last time before being decommissioned.

MiG-21s were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963. The fighter jets are being decommissioned today after 63 years of service.#mig21farewell #IAF

(Source:… pic.twitter.com/HxCmUPuEgC

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 26, 2025

Since its induction more than six decades ago, the MiG-21 remained the backbone of the Indian Air Force. Over 870 aircraft were inducted into service, making it one of the most widely used fighters in India’s military history. Known for its unmatched speed and agility during its time, the MiG-21 was often referred to as the “flying coffin” due to the number of accidents over the years, raising safety concerns even as it continued to serve valiantly.

The aircraft’s record is a blend of glorious victories and hard-learned lessons. From ensuring India’s air superiority during the wars of 1965 and 1971 to executing strategic strikes during Kargil and Balakot, the MiG-21 left behind a legacy of unmatched bravery. However, its long service also witnessed a series of crashes, often sparking debates about its operational life and pilot safety.

Final Operational Missions and Legacy

The MiG-21’s final operational missions were conducted from Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, Rajasthan. In a symbolic gesture, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh himself flew solo sorties of the aircraft on August 18–19, underscoring the MiG-21’s emotional significance for the force. With its decommissioning, the Indian Air Force now shifts focus to modern fighter jets like the Rafale and indigenous Tejas, ensuring that India’s skies remain secure.

The retirement of the MiG-21 is not just about phasing out an aircraft — it is the end of a chapter that shaped the identity of the IAF for over six decades. While the jets will no longer take flight, the stories of courage, valor, and pride associated with the MiG-21 will remain etched in the annals of India’s defense history.