IAF retires MiG-21 after 62 years of service: End of an era in Indian air power | In Pics

The Indian Air Force today retired the MiG-21, marking the end of a 62-year service run. Inducted in 1963, over 870 jets were acquired and license-built by HAL, making it the longest-serving fighter in IAF history.

At its peak strength of 19 squadrons, the MiG-21 formed the backbone of India’s air power until the mid-2000s. Globally, it remains the most-produced supersonic jet with nearly 11,500 built.

The aircraft proved its combat edge in every major conflict — from the 1965 and 1971 wars to Kargil in 1999 and Balakot in 2019. It scored historic kills against Pakistan’s F-104 in 1971 and F-16 in 2019, while in the 1971 war it secured air dominance in just three days and carried out daring deep-strike missions, including the rocket attack on the Dhaka Governor’s House.

With more than 1.5 million flying hours, the MiG-21 became the training ground for generations of IAF pilots. Despite its “flying coffin” tag — with over 500 crashes and 170 pilot deaths — attrition data suggests it was statistically among the safest fighters of its class.

Originally designed by the Soviets as a high-altitude interceptor, the MiG-21’s blistering climb rate and speed were soon adapted by the IAF for close combat and ground attack roles. Its versatility made it a formidable multi-role fighter.

Operated by more than 50 air forces worldwide, from the Soviet Union and China to Egypt, Iraq and Vietnam, the MiG-21 became one of the most widely flown supersonic fighters in history.

For India, the MiG-21 not only defined air warfare but also cemented defence ties with Russia and helped jump-start the domestic aerospace industry through HAL’s license production.

For India, the MiG-21 not only defined air warfare but also cemented defence ties with Russia and helped jump-start the domestic aerospace industry through HAL’s license production.