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MiG-21 Retirement: End of an Era for the Indian Air Force

AIM Defence Academy tribute to MiG-21 last sortie – Indian Air Force aircraft retirement poster

On 26 September 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) officially bid farewell to its legendary  Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, concluding an incredible 62 years of service. The decommissioning ceremony was held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, attended by senior officers, veteran pilots, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The MiG-21, once the backbone of India’s air power, was a symbol of speed, strength, and courage. Its retirement signifies the end of an era while ushering in a new phase of modernization for India’s air fleet.

The Journey of the MiG-21

The MiG-21 was inducted into the IAF in 1963, becoming India’s first supersonic fighter jet. Known for its versatility and speed, it quickly became a favorite among pilots and a feared adversary in combat.

Major Contributions:

 

    • 1965 Indo-Pakistan War: Provided crucial air superiority in key battles.

    • 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: Played a decisive role in India’s victory.

    • Kargil War (1999): Despite its age, the MiG-21 continued frontline service.

    • Balakot Operation (2019): Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman famously flew a MiG-21 Bison in a dogfight against a Pakistani F-16, proving its enduring value.

For decades, the MiG-21 was the pride of India’s skies, representing the country’s growing military prowess.

The Grand Farewell Ceremony

The final farewell at Chandigarh Air Force Station was an emotional moment for the nation.

 

    • A flypast by MiG-21s and modern fighter jets honored the aircraft’s service.

    • A water cannon salute marked its official retirement.

    • Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh and senior officers took part in the last ceremonial sortie.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the MiG-21’s unmatched contribution, calling it a “guardian of India’s skies for over six decades.”

Why the MiG-21 Was Retired

While the MiG-21 was a legendary fighter, several factors made its retirement necessary:

 

    • Aging Technology: After six decades of service, its airframes had reached their operational limits.

    • Safety Concerns: Frequent crashes led to it being nicknamed the “Flying Coffin.”

    • Modernization Needs: With advanced fighters like Tejas, Rafale, and upgraded Sukhoi-30 MKIs, the MiG-21 had become technologically outdated.

This decision will help the IAF focus on future-ready aircraft and ensure pilot safety.

Impact on the Indian Air Force

The retirement of the MiG-21 leaves the IAF with 29 active squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.
To fill this gap, the IAF plans to:

 

    • Induct Tejas LCA Mk 1A and Mk 2 fighters.

    • Expand Rafale squadrons.

    • Upgrade Sukhoi-30 MKIs for advanced combat roles.

    • Develop indigenous stealth fighters under the AMCA project.

This transition marks a new era of modernization for India’s defence capabilities.

The MiG-21 Legacy

Even after retirement, the MiG-21 will always be remembered for its:

 

    • Role in training thousands of fighter pilots.

    • Defence of Indian skies during wartime and peacetime missions.

    • Symbolic representation of India’s military growth during the Cold War era.

Several MiG-21s will now be preserved in museums and air bases across India, inspiring future generations of defence aspirants.

AIM Defence Academy – Shaping India’s Future Heroes

As the MiG-21 retires, the legacy of courage and service continues through India’s youth. AIM Defence Academy, leading defence training institute, plays a crucial role in preparing students to become the next generation of officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

Conclusion

The retirement of the MiG-21 fighter jet is an emotional moment for the nation.
For 62 years, it stood as a symbol of India’s strength, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit.
As India moves forward with modern aircraft like the Tejas and Rafale, the MiG-21’s story will continue to inspire future generations.

Institutions like AIM Defence Academy are essential in carrying forward this legacy, preparing the youth to defend the nation with honor and excellence.
Enroll today and take the first step toward becoming a proud officer of the Indian Armed Forces.

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