It’s an end of an era as the Indian Air Force retires MiG-21 today. The workhorse that took on fighter jets across generations, Mig-21 proved its mettle despite the infamy. The MiG-21 was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 and served for a historic 62 years, with over 870 units acquired and built under license by HAL. At its peak, the IAF operated 19 squadrons, making the MiG-21 the backbone of India's air power until the mid-2000s. Globally, it is the most-produced supersonic jet, with 11,496 units built.
Known for its roles as interceptor, multi-role fighter, and ground-attack jet, the MiG-21 could climb rapidly (up to 46,250 ft/min) and reach speeds over Mach 2.05. IAF pilots adapted it for both high-altitude interception and close combat, despite limited cockpit comfort and handling quirks.
MiG 21 Retirement News Live: Farewell ceremony begins at Chandigarh airbase
The MiG-21 played decisive roles in the 1965, 1971, Kargil (1999), and Balakot (2019) conflicts, credited with shooting down Pakistan's F-104 in 1971 and the F-16 in 2019. In the 1971 war, MiGs secured air dominance within three days and executed deep strikes like bombing the Dhaka Governor’s residence.
Over 1.5 million flying hours were logged, making it the training ground for generations of IAF pilots. Despite its ‘flying coffin’ reputation due to over 500 crashes and at least 170 pilot fatalities, the MiG-21 remains statistically among the safest, measured by per-unit attrition rate.
The final farewell ceremony is held in Chandigarh on September 26, 2025, as the IAF retires its last two squadrons-“Panthers” and “Cobras”-closing a legendary chapter in Indian military aviation.
| Feature | Details |
| Origin | Soviet Union (Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau) |
| Indian Induction Year | 1963 |
| Total Years in IAF Service | 62 years (1963–2025) |
| Total IAF Units Acquired | Over 870 |
| License-built in India | By Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Squadron Peak | 19 squadrons, up to 400 jets at peak |
| Most-Produced Supersonic Jet | 11,496 units globally |
| Main Roles | Interceptor, multi-role fighter, ground-attack, air defense |
| Designed For | High-altitude interception, rapid climbs (climb rate up to 46,250 ft/min on MiG-21bis) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.05 |
| Engine Power (Emergency Mode) | Up to 97.4 kilonewtons (MiG-21bis) |
| Unique Combat Records | First jet to shoot down both 1st to 4th-gen fighters; shot down F-104 (1971), F-16 (2019), “Sabre Slayer” |
| Wars Involved | 1965, 1971, Kargil (1999), Balakot (2019) |
| Notable Missions/Stories | Dhaka Governor’s residence attack (1971), airstrip cratering, Balakot airstrike (2019), Cope India exercise |
| Kills in 1971 War | Credited with shooting down 28 Sabres; air superiority in 3 days |
| Total Aircraft Crashes | Over 500 in 60 years; peak crash rate ~4.7/yr, but lowest % attrition by fleet strength |
| Pilot and Personnel Fatalities | At least 170 pilots, plus civilian and ground crew casualties |
| IAF Flying Hours | Over 1.5 million hours total |
| Last Two Squadrons Retired | No. 23 "Panthers", No. 3 "Cobras" |
| Farewell Ceremony Location | Chandigarh (September 26, 2025) |
| Reputation | Sometimes called “Flying coffin,” but pilots note it had the best safety rate by percent in IAF service |
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