End of an Era: MiG-21 Bids Farewell
The Indian Air Force (IAF) officially retired its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26, 2025, marking the culmination of 62 years of service. A ceremonial decommissioning event was held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, bringing to a close a significant chapter in India's military aviation history. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who personally flew a final sortie in a MiG-21 Bison aircraft.
A Legacy of Valor and Service
Inducted in 1963, the Soviet-origin MiG-21 quickly became India's first supersonic fighter and the backbone of the IAF's combat fleet. Over its six-decade tenure, India became the largest operator of the MiG-21 outside the Soviet Union, acquiring more than 850 aircraft, with nearly 600 manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The aircraft played a pivotal role in all of India's major military operations, including the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
The 'Flying Coffin' Controversy and Safety Record
Despite its combat prowess, the MiG-21 gained an unfortunate reputation as the 'Flying Coffin' due to a high number of accidents. Over its service life, more than 500 MiG-21s crashed, resulting in the deaths of at least 170 pilots and 40 civilians. Critics often pointed to the aging fleet, design limitations, and maintenance challenges as contributing factors. However, many veteran pilots defended the aircraft, attributing accidents to various factors beyond the jet's inherent design, and highlighting its reliability when properly maintained and flown.
Transition to Modern Air Power
The retirement of the MiG-21s is part of the IAF's ongoing modernization efforts. The outgoing squadrons, including the No. 23 Squadron 'Panthers' and No. 3 'Cobras', will be progressively replaced by more advanced aircraft. The primary replacements include the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A, along with additional Rafale fighters. India recently signed a $7 billion order for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets from HAL, aiming to bolster its domestic defense manufacturing. The retirement temporarily reduces the IAF's fighter squadron strength to 29, falling short of the sanctioned 42 squadrons, underscoring the urgency for rapid induction of new aircraft.
A Grand Farewell
The decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh featured a ceremonial flypast, with Air Chief Marshal A P Singh leading the final sortie. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, one of India's first woman fighter pilots, also participated in the historic flypast. The event included a water cannon salute upon landing, a display by the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, and the release of a commemorative postal stamp, honoring the MiG-21's indelible mark on the nation's defense.
5 Comments
Mariposa
It's bittersweet to see the MiG-21 retired; it played a crucial role in our history, yet the modernization with Tejas and Rafale is absolutely essential for future defense capabilities.
KittyKat
A piece of history gone. Hope the new jets can fill those big shoes.
Loubianka
It had its flaws, but it was a true workhorse. We'll miss its presence.
KittyKat
The 'Flying Coffin' label is harsh but understandable given the tragic losses, though many pilots swear by its capabilities. Moving to indigenous Tejas is a positive step for self-reliance.
Africa
Finally! This 'Flying Coffin' era needed to end for pilot safety.