The Indian Air Force (IAF) bid an emotional farewell to the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet on Friday in Chandigarh, marking the end of nearly 60 years of service. The MiG-21 has been a crucial part of India’s aerial defense since its induction in the early 1960s and has played a pivotal role in multiple wars and conflicts. The retirement ceremony was grand, with full-dress rehearsals conducted earlier in the week and several aerial displays highlighting the aircraft's long and storied history.
The send-off event included a spectacular formation flight with MiG-21s flying alongside Jaguars and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, while the Akash Ganga skydivers amazed spectators by leaping from a height of nearly 4,000 feet. The occasion was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, all three service chiefs, six former IAF chiefs, and commanders from all IAF commands.
The MiG-21 has a rich legacy in India’s military history, serving in several key wars and missions. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took the cockpit of the MiG-21 last month for a symbolic farewell flight from Rajasthan’s Nal Air Base. The final official sortie was led by Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, with special recreations of the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars to honor the aircraft’s combat history.
During the 1971 war, MiG-21s played a critical role, including a famous mission in which they bombed the Dhaka Governor House, significantly weakening East Pakistan’s leadership and boosting Indian forces’ morale. Over the years, the aircraft also participated in the Kargil conflict, contributing to India’s aerial superiority. More recently, in 2019, a MiG-21 Bison shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet during the Balakot conflict, proving that even in modern warfare, this aircraft could still perform effectively.
The ceremony included victory formations, with the IAF’s 23rd Squadron “Panthers” soaring together, followed by MiG-21s flying alongside India’s indigenous Tejas aircraft. This symbolized the transition from the older MiG-21 to modern fighters like the Tejas, representing the IAF’s continuing air dominance.
The retirement event concluded with six MiG-21s landing together in front of the main stage, switching off their engines for the last time. In line with IAF tradition, the aircraft received a water cannon salute, marking the end of their operational journey. Both operational squadrons, the Cobras and the Panthers, have now been decommissioned.
The MiG-21 was originally designed in the Soviet Union in the 1950s and was inducted into the IAF in 1963. India acquired a total of 874 aircraft, with the last upgraded Bison version entering service in 2013. For decades, the MiG-21 has been at the heart of India’s air power, admired for its speed, agility, and combat effectiveness. Its combat history includes not only traditional wars but also strategic operations, including border patrols and air superiority missions.
However, the MiG-21 has also been known for its high accident rate. More than 400 MiG-21s have crashed since their induction, earning the aircraft grim nicknames such as “flying coffin” and “widow maker”. Many accidents were caused by outdated technology, engine failures, and maintenance issues. Despite multiple upgrades and efforts to extend its service life, the MiG-21 remained prone to mechanical problems.
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Over time, the ageing aircraft posed increasing risks to pilots. The phasing out of MiG-21s has been necessary to ensure the safety of Indian Air Force personnel and to modernize India’s air fleet. The retirement of this iconic aircraft marks the end of an era, as it is replaced by more advanced and safer jets like the Tejas and other modern fighters.
The MiG-21 will be remembered for its heroic legacy, spanning six decades of service, numerous wars, and countless successful missions. While it faced challenges due to its ageing design, the aircraft’s contributions to India’s national security and air superiority cannot be overlooked. Veterans, current IAF pilots, and military enthusiasts alike have paid tribute to the fighter jet’s role in defending the nation and inspiring generations of aviators.
The final farewell of the MiG-21 in Chandigarh was a reminder of both its glorious achievements and the sacrifices made by pilots over the years. From the battlefields of the 1965 and 1971 wars to modern operations like Balakot, the MiG-21 has left a permanent mark on India’s military history. Its retirement symbolizes not only the passage of time but also the evolution of India’s air capabilities, moving from the era of Soviet-designed jets to homegrown aircraft and next-generation fighters.
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