Today marks the end of an era for the Indian Air Force (IAF). After more than six decades of service, the legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jet will take its final flight, officially retiring from active duty.
At 12:05 pm, six MiG-21 Bison variants – led by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh (call sign “Badal 3”) – will soar over Chandigarh, where the aircraft was first inducted in 1963. The jets will perform a final salute before receiving a ceremonial water cannon shower upon landing.
Why Chandigarh?
This is where the first batch of 13 MiG-21F-13 (Type 74) aircraft arrived in April 1963, fulfilling India’s need for a high-altitude interceptor capable of countering threats such as the U.S. U-2 spy planes.
Symbolic Farewell:
Joining the formation today will be Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, India’s seventh woman fighter pilot, who flew in from Rajasthan’s Bikaner base to be part of this historic moment. Her participation represents the MiG-21’s role in inspiring new generations of IAF pilots and its seamless transition into the modern era, with India now fielding aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and homegrown Tejas.
A Legendary Legacy:
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Over 1,200 MiG-21s have served in the IAF since 1963.
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The aircraft played a pivotal role in four wars with Pakistan and carried out air defence, ground attack, reconnaissance, and pilot training missions.
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Until 2006, the IAF was humorously dubbed the “MiG Air Force,” operating five variants (MiG-21, 23, 25, 27, 29) simultaneously.
The MiG-21 became a symbol of Indo-Russian defence ties, undergoing several upgrades to remain combat-ready and relevant despite newer, more advanced rivals worldwide.
Controversy and Challenges:
In recent years, the MiG-21 attracted criticism and was often called a “flying coffin” due to frequent crashes. A major incident in May 2023 in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh claimed three civilian lives after a routine training sortie ended in disaster, leading to a temporary grounding of the entire fleet.
Despite its tragic accidents – more than 300 crashes over six decades – the MiG-21’s service to India remains unmatched, credited with protecting Indian skies and training generations of fighter pilots.
The Road Ahead:
With today’s farewell, the IAF shifts focus to indigenous fighter programs like the HAL Tejas and next-generation aircraft. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several top military officials will be present at the ceremony.
The MiG-21’s final flight is not just a retirement — it is a tribute to a warhorse that stood guard over India for more than half a century
