Indian Air Force (IAF) Retires Iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jets After 62 Years of Service

On September 26, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) officially retired its legendary Russian-origin MiG-21 fighter jets in a grand farewell ceremony at Chandigarh Air Force Station (12 Wing, AF). This marked the end of an era in Indian military aviation.

      - The decommissioning event was attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and senior veterans. The last MiG-21s from No. 23 Squadron “Panthers” performed a ceremonial flypast, followed by a grand farewell tribute.

      - Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew the last official sortie under call sign Badal 3. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, one of the IAF’s first women fighter pilots, became the final woman to fly the MiG-21. On landing, the aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute.

      - The ceremony showcased a skydiving demonstration by the elite Akash Ganga team from 8,000 feet, highlighting IAF’s rich tradition of aerial excellence and military discipline.

Main Point :-   (i) Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic jet, with its maiden 28 Squadron based at Chandigarh, earning the title “First Supersonics.” Over six decades, more than 870 MiG-21s were procured, with many built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

      (ii) The MiG-21 played pivotal roles in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the 1971 India-Pakistan War, the 1999 Kargil Conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Known as the IAF’s “workhorse,” it also earned the infamous nickname “flying coffin,” with over 400 accidents reported during its service life.

(iii) The retired squadrons will be replaced by the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, beginning with No. 23 Squadron. India is also expanding its fleet with Rafale jets and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to strengthen its modern aerial defense.
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