IAF retires MiG-21 fighter jets. What's next? | Explained in 5 points

At its peak, the IAF operated 19 squadrons, making the MiG-21 the backbone of India's air power until the mid-2000s.

The Indian Air Force has finally bid goodbye to its iconic MiG-21, the fighter jet that defined an era and carried India into the supersonic age.

On Friday, at a farewell ceremony in Chandigarh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top IAF officials gathered to mark the end of its service. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh himself took to the skies, flying the final sortie in honour of the legendary jet.

First inducted in 1963, the Russian-origin MiG-21 transformed the IAF, quickly becoming its backbone and strengthening combat capabilities during some of India’s most challenging decades. Over 870 aircraft, across multiple variants, would eventually serve the force. Sometimes called ‘Flying coffin', pilots also note it had the best safety rate by percent in IAF service.

What happens now to the MiG-21 fleet?

- Though the Air Force has not made an official announcement yet, aviation enthusiasts believe its legacy will be preserved. “Although no official announcement has been made yet, it is widely expected that at least one MiG-21 will find a permanent place at the Indian Air Force Museum in Palam, Delhi,” reports suggest, calling it a fitting tribute to India’s first supersonic fighter.

- The fate of the retired aircraft could vary. Many are likely to be sent to aviation museums and institutions, both within India and abroad, ensuring their place in history for future generations. Some reports even hint at the possibility of keeping a select few airworthy. A ceremonial “vintage squadron,” flying at special events and national celebrations, is under consideration.

- What remains uncertain is which variant will carry forward this heritage role. Will it be the upgraded MiG-21 Bison, fitted with modern avionics, or one of the older versions that shaped the early decades of service? For now, enthusiasts are left guessing, watching closely for the IAF’s choice.

- Six decades after its induction, the jet that once defined India’s aerial strength has now been retired with full honours at Chandigarh air base. The send-off marks not just the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, widely seen as the closest successor to the MiG-21, is already stepping into the role, filling the crucial gap in the IAF’s frontline fleet.