SRINAGAR: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday retired its fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft after more than six decades of service, closing a defining chapter in the nation’s military aviation history.
The last operational unit of the Soviet-origin supersonic jets carried out a ceremonial sortie from the Suratgarh airbase in Rajasthan. The event, attended by senior IAF officers, veterans and aviation enthusiasts, marked the official phasing out of the fighter that once formed the backbone of India’s air defence.
Commissioned in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic jet and played a decisive role in several conflicts, including the wars of 1965 and 1971 with Pakistan and the 1999 Kargil conflict. At its peak, the IAF operated nearly 900 MiG-21s, making it one of the most widely deployed fighters in its inventory.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, in his address at the ceremony, described the aircraft as a “legendary machine that instilled confidence in generations of pilots and served the nation with unmatched distinction.” He acknowledged, however, that the aircraft had outlived its combat utility in modern warfare.
The IAF also paid tribute on social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), it stated:
“Honouring the enduring legacy of MiG-21, the Chief of the Air Staff visited No. 23 Sqn ‘Panthers’, the last squadron operating the legendary fighter. The CAS flew a fighter sortie, and also in a formation led by Sqn Ldr Priya, symbolising both tradition and transformation. On 26 Sep 2025, the MiG-21 retires after six decades of glorious service in the IAF.”
CULMINATION OF MIG-21 OPERATION IN IAF https://t.co/jqqywWowrY
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 26, 2025
Despite its legacy, the MiG-21 has often been overshadowed by controversy. Dubbed the “flying coffin,” it has been involved in numerous crashes, with more than 400 aircraft lost and over 200 pilots killed since induction, according to official figures.
Defence experts noted that while the MiG-21 once offered cutting-edge capability, its limitations in the face of modern aerial warfare had long been evident. The retirement clears the way for advanced aircraft such as the French Rafale, the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, and future acquisitions under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme.
The IAF has already inducted 36 Rafales and is expanding the deployment of the Tejas, with officials stressing that the transition is vital for national security amid evolving regional threats.
For veterans, the farewell stirred strong emotions. “The MiG-21 was not just a machine, it was a symbol of national pride and resilience,” said retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra, recalling the aircraft’s contribution in establishing India’s air superiority during wartime.
With Thursday’s flypast, the IAF drew curtains on the MiG-21 after 62 years — a record of service unmatched by any other fighter in its history.
