Chandigarh, July, 2025 — After over six decades of loyal but turbulent service, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its MiG-21 fighter jet, marking the end of an era in Indian aviation history. The final flypast and decommissioning ceremony will take place at the Chandigarh Air Force Station on September 19, 2025.
First inducted into the IAF in 1963, the MiG-21—India’s first supersonic jet fighter—played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s aerial defense capabilities during a time of rapid modernization. Developed by the Soviet Union and produced under license in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the MiG-21 quickly became the backbone of India’s air power in the 1960s and ’70s.
Over the decades, the aircraft participated in several significant military operations, including the 1971 Indo-Pak war where it played a critical role in achieving air superiority. However, its legacy is marred by its dismal safety record, earning it the grim nickname “Flying Coffin.”
According to official data, over 400 crashes involving MiG-21s have been reported, claiming the lives of more than 200 pilots. Despite multiple upgrades and phased retirements of older variants, the aircraft continued to be used primarily due to delays in the induction of modern jets like the HAL Tejas and imported platforms like the Rafale.
The upcoming retirement of the remaining MiG-21 Bison squadrons aligns with the IAF’s broader strategy of fleet modernization. Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari had earlier stated that the IAF was committed to phasing out all MiG-21 aircraft by 2025 and replacing them with newer, more reliable, and technologically advanced fighter jets.
“While the MiG-21 has served the nation with distinction, it’s time we transition to a new era of aerospace technology and safety,” said Air Marshal Rajesh Vats, Western Air Command, speaking ahead of the official farewell ceremony.
The retirement ceremony at Chandigarh is expected to include a final flypast of the remaining MiG-21 jets, ceremonial honors, and a tribute to the pilots who lost their lives flying the aircraft. Veterans, defense personnel, and aviation enthusiasts from across the country are expected to attend the event.
Many in the armed forces and aviation community are viewing the retirement with mixed emotions. “The MiG-21 taught generations of IAF pilots how to fly and fight,” said Wing Commander (Retd.) Arun Tyagi, who flew the aircraft in the late ’80s. “But its time had come long ago. The farewell will be emotional for many of us.”
The Indian Air Force currently plans to bolster its fleet with HAL Tejas Mk-1A, Su-30MKIs, and Rafale fighters. Indigenous development and self-reliance remain key priorities, especially under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
As India says goodbye to the MiG-21 on September 19, 2025, it marks not only the end of a controversial chapter in aviation history but also a leap forward into the future of air combat.
Sources:
- Press Information Bureau
- Indian Air Force Official Statements
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- The Hindu, ANI, NDTV
