Farewell to a legend: IAF's old warhorse, MiG-21, to fly into history

IAF officials stand near a MiG-21 on display at the newly-inaugurated Indian Air Force museum, at the Headquarters Maintenance Command (HQMC) in Nagpur, Friday, April 25, 2025. (PTI Photo)

After serving the nation for over 60 years and participating in every major Indian military conflict, the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet is finally preparing for its last flight. A ceremonial farewell is scheduled for September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase, where the aircraft, currently part of the 23 Squadron—nicknamed the Panthers—will be formally retired.

The MiG-21 leaves behind a mixed legacy. It was India’s first supersonic fighter, offering a technological edge during the 1960s and 70s. However, frequent crashes in later years led to its grim nickname—the 'Flying Coffin'. Its de-induction also marks a significant moment for the Indian Air Force, which will see its active combat squadrons drop to 29—the lowest number since the 1960s. Notably, during the 1965 war, the IAF had 32 combat squadrons.

First inducted in 1963, various versions of the MiG-21 have remained in service for 62 years. The aircraft played vital roles in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the 1971 Bangladesh liberation, the Kargil conflict of 1999, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Even in the ongoing Operation Sindoor, the final active MiG-21 squadron has remained on alert.

"No other fighter has been with the Indian Air Force for as long as the MiG-21. It has been a part of nearly every military operation since 1965, including Op Sindoor. For many Indian fighter pilots, this aircraft has been a defining part of their careers. Its retirement will be a deeply emotional moment," aviation analyst Angad Singh remarked.

According to sources cited by the Economic Times, the farewell will feature flypasts, static displays, and participation from senior IAF officials and veterans who’ve worked with the fleet over the decades.

In terms of numbers, the MiG-21 holds a unique record—it was the largest fighter fleet operated by India. The country procured over 850 aircraft of the MiG-21 series, with nearly 600 of them produced domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Though the aircraft had outlived its intended service span, delays in procuring and inducting newer fighters like the LCA Mk1A forced the Air Force to keep the MiG-21 fleet flying through life-extension programs. The last few squadrons were originally meant to be phased out much earlier, but setbacks in indigenous fighter production extended their operational role far beyond expectations.