MiG-21 fighter jet to bid farewell after 62 years in Indian skies

After serving as the backbone of Indian air power for more than six decades, the MiG-21 fighter jet is finally preparing to bow out, marking the end of an era.

A ceremonial farewell for the remaining aircraft is scheduled for September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase, Caliber.Az reports, citing Indian media.

The last operational MiG-21s belong to the Indian Air Force’s 23 Squadron, known as the Panthers.

Their retirement brings a mixed legacy — once hailed as cutting-edge technology that gave India a strategic advantage in the 1960s and 70s, the jet’s later years were marred by frequent crashes, earning it the grim nickname, "Flying Coffin."

The retirement of the MiG-21 will reduce the Indian Air Force’s combat strength to a historic low of just 29 squadrons, the lowest since the 1960s. Notably, during the 1965 war with Pakistan, the IAF operated 32 fighter squadrons.

First inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 served in every major Indian conflict for over six decades. It played a key role in the 1965 war against Pakistan, the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The jet has remained in service until the present day, with the final squadron still on operational alert under the ongoing Operation Sindoor.

Aviation analyst Angad Singh reflected on the aircraft’s legacy:

“No other fighter has been associated with the IAF for as long as the MiG-21—an incredible two-thirds of the IAF's 93-year history is inextricably linked to this jet. It has served in every combat action since 1965, through to Op Sindoor, and has touched the career of nearly every Indian fighter pilot alive today, in some form or another. There is no doubt this will be an emotional farewell to a legend of Indian skies.”

The farewell ceremony is expected to include senior leadership from the Indian Air Force and veterans who served with the MiG-21 fleet. Flypasts and static displays are planned as part of the tribute.

The MiG-21 also holds the record as the longest-serving and largest fighter fleet in Indian history. India acquired over 850 aircraft of the MiG-21 series, including trainers, with nearly 600 of them manufactured domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Although the jet’s operational viability had long passed, the Air Force continued to extend the service life of the remaining fleet due to a persistent shortfall in modern replacements. The MiG-21 was originally expected to be phased out and replaced by the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A. However, delays in production and delivery have prolonged the jet’s service well into the 2020s.

By Tamilla Hasanova