India Bids Farewell to Its Oldest Fighter Jet MiG-21

It’s not every day that a nation says goodbye to a piece of history. But on September 19, 2025, India will retire the MiG-21, its oldest and most iconic fighter jet, after more than six decades of service. The farewell ceremony is set to take place at Chandigarh Air Force Station, bringing an emotional close to an aircraft that defined India's air power for generations.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a defense follower, or just someone who grew up hearing about the mighty MiG-21, this moment marks the end of a truly remarkable era.

A Jet That Changed Indian Skies

The MiG-21 wasn’t just a plane - it was a symbol of speed, power, and progress. Originally developed by the Soviet Union's Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau, the jet first flew in 1955 and made its way into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1963. With its delta wings and needle-nose design, the MiG-21 turned heads from the very beginning.

It was India’s first supersonic fighter jet, and it didn’t take long for the MiG to become the backbone of the IAF. In total, India operated around 874 MiG-21s, including nearly 657 jets manufactured locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a licensing agreement.

A War Hero in the Skies

The MiG-21 wasn’t just a showpiece - it was a true war machine. Over the decades, it played a frontline role in every major conflict India faced.

1. In the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the MiG-21 proved its combat worth by securing air superiority in multiple engagements.

2. During the Kargil War in 1999, it once again returned to action, offering critical air support in a challenging high-altitude environment.

Perhaps its most headline-grabbing moment came in 2019, when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, flying a MiG-21 Bison, shot down a Pakistani F-16, making global headlines and turning the aging fighter into a household name once again.

For a jet designed in the 1950s to still hold its own in modern-day combat? That’s a legacy few aircraft can claim.

The Other Side of the MiG-21 Legacy

Despite its combat success, the jet also earned a reputation for being difficult to fly and maintain, especially as the years went on. With numerous crashes over the decades, it was tragically dubbed the “Flying Coffin” by many. Young pilots often began their careers in MiG-21s - and sadly, some ended them there too.

The IAF has lost over 400 MiG-21s to accidents since the jet’s induction, with more than 200 pilots and crew members killed. These figures sparked debates, safety audits, and growing pressure to retire the aircraft much earlier.

But due to delays in acquiring and deploying replacements, the MiG-21 remained in the skies far longer than originally planned.

The Final Salute: Why September 2025 Matters

As of mid-2025, only 36 MiG-21 Bison variants are still in operation. These aircraft are primarily stationed at the Nal Air Base in Rajasthan and the Chandigarh Air Base, which will also host the official retirement ceremony.

The last unit flying the MiG-21 is the 23 Squadron, famously known as the “Panthers.” On September 19, 2025, they will fly a final ceremonial sortie, drawing a close to the fighter jet’s active duty.

There’s a deep sense of symbolism here: Chandigarh was one of the first Indian bases to receive the MiG-21 back in 1963. Now, it will also be the place where the aircraft takes its final bow.

The Bigger Picture: What Happens Next?

With the retirement of the MiG-21, the IAF’s total number of operational fighter squadrons will drop to 29, well below the sanctioned strength of 42. This shortfall presents a real challenge for a country that needs to maintain air dominance across multiple fronts.

But there’s hope on the horizon. India’s answer lies in a new generation of aircraft, particularly the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

Tejas Mk-1A: The Future of the Indian Air Force

The Tejas Mk-1A is being positioned as the MiG-21’s successor. Designed for flexibility and speed, Tejas is a multi-role fighter capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime missions. And it’s made right here in India.

In 2021, the IAF signed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL to procure 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighters. A second deal worth ₹67,000 crore for an additional 97 jets is currently in the pipeline.

But it’s not just about numbers - it’s about replacing old warhorses with modern marvels. Tejas represents India’s push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. It’s not just a jet; it’s a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Still, delays in production and delivery have slowed down the phase-out of the MiG-21. That’s why some of the jets were still flying past their expected retirement timeline. But with the Tejas program picking up speed, the long-term future looks more secure.

A Moment of Reflection

The farewell ceremony in September will likely be an emotional one. For many veterans and officers, the MiG-21 wasn’t just an aircraft; it was their first ride into the sky. It trained them, tested them, and carried them through some of the most intense air battles India has ever fought.

As the 23 Squadron Panthers take their final flight, they won’t just be flying a plane; they’ll be closing a chapter in Indian military history.

The MiG-21’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey - from cutting-edge technology in the ’60s to a national icon and finally to a war hero stepping off the stage.

A Salute to the Legend

For over 62 years, the MiG-21 guarded India’s skies, trained its finest pilots, and served as the backbone of the IAF. It was fast, reliable, and fiercely capable in combat. Yes, it had its flaws, but it also had an unmatched legacy.

Now, as India moves towards a modern, indigenously powered air fleet, the MiG-21 will take its place in the history books, not just as a fighter jet, but as a symbol of courage, innovation, and resilience.

So here’s to the MiG-21, a legend that flew beyond limits, and into history.