After serving the Indian Air Force for 62 years, the iconic Fighter Jet MiG-21s will take last fly in September 2025. A grand farewell ceremony will be held in Chandigarh on September 19 to mark the end of an era in Indian military aviation. Once the pride of the IAF, these supersonic jets now make way for modern aircraft like the LCA Tejas.
New Delhi – The legendary MiG-21 fighter aircraft will take their final flights over Indian skies in September after having served the Indian Air Force (IAF) for more than six long decades. It was inducted into the IAF fleet in 1963 as the first genuine supersonic fighter planes. MiG-21 aircraft have been a vital part of securing Indian airspace for many decades and wars.
The last ceremonial flight and farewell to the MiG-21s will take place at Chandigarh on September 19, thus bringing an era to a close. The aircraft, which had been the mainstay of India’s fighter force, will retire after 62 years of service, one of the longest-serving combat planes in the world.
A Legacy of Supersonic Power
MiG-21 was imported from the Soviet Union into the IAF and soon became a game player in Indian Air Defence system. With its supersonic capabilities and low price tag, the jet was instrumental in transforming the IAF during the Cold War years. India went on to assemble and even refurbish local versions of the MiG-21, christened the “Bison,” using Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
From aerial combat in wars to routine patrol duties along the borders, MiG-21s have played an essential role in every significant Indian military air operation since the 1960s. They gained legendary status and were frequently referred to as the workhorses of the IAF.
Current Status and Planned Retirement
Today, there are only two MiG-21 Bison squadrons that are operational, both stationed at the Nal airbase in Rajasthan. These 36 combat aircraft are to be phased out in September 2025. India will thus say goodbye to its final MiG-21s.
The retirement was postponed several times because of the IAF’s urgent requirement of having sufficient numbers of fighter squadrons in face of increasing threats posed by both China and Pakistan. The MiG-21s were to be retired years ago, but because there were no replacements, the IAF had no other choice but to make them fly.
Crash Record and Safety Concerns
Though they hold value as a strategic asset, MiG-21s have suffered from a high crash rate, particularly in the later years of operation. Since 1971, more than 400 MiG-21s have been crashed, killed over 200 pilots and 50 civilians. The shocking crash record led to it being called “flying coffins” and brought to the forefront long-standing questions of pilot safety.
While the planes received upgrades along the way, such as enhanced avionics and radar systems, their basic design was outdated when compared to contemporary fighter aircraft. They did not have several of the contemporary safety features and technology found on newer planes.
Transition to Modern Platforms
The IAF has grappled with the tardiness in retiring the MiG-21s. Domestic aircraft such as the LCA Tejas, produced by HAL, were to be used to replace the MiG-21 fleet. But the latency in the production and induction of the new jets resulted in the MiG-21s staying on far longer than was originally anticipated.
Currently, the IAF has only 29 fighter squadrons against its sanctioned strength of 42.5. The deficit still remains a strategic challenge to India, particularly since regional rivals enhance their own air capabilities.
Significance of the Farewell Ceremony
The Chandigarh farewell ceremony will be an emotional and historic occasion, not only to honor the aircraft but also the generations of pilots, maintenance men, and aircrew who flew, serviced, and placed their lives in the trust of these jets. Veterans, Defence officials, and serving IAF personnel will come together to salute the legacy of the MiG-21.
This is not merely a retirement ceremony but it is a looking back at a moment of Indian aviation glory. The MiG-21s represented India’s aspiration to be a robust and self-sufficient air force in the 20th century. Their going out signals the end of an era and the start of a new era of indigenous innovation and modernization.
Looking Ahead
As India is ready to say goodbye to the MiG-21s, attention now turns to bolstering the IAF with newer, safer, and more advanced aircrafts. The Tejas is slowly finding its place in active squadrons, and purchases for more fighter jets such as the Rafale have already started closing the gap.
Nevertheless, Defence officials still call for quicker action in remedying the squadron deficit, accelerating indigenous defence production, and making sure the errors of history are not repeated.
Phasing out the MiG-21s is not simply a matter of decommissioning old planes but it is about reaffirming India’s commitment to air security, modernization, and strategic readiness.
Conclusion
With their last flight in September 2025, the MiG-21s will retire as legends of Indian military aviation. These jets are symbol of bravery, grit, and transformations. As the IAF readies itself to felicitate them in a grand ceremony, the country pays tribute to the pilots who flew them and the engineers who ensured they remained airborne for more than six decades.
