MiG-21 Farewell: From 1965 War to Balakot, India’s Iconic Fighter Jet Retires After Six Decades of Service

Chandigarh, September 26, 2025

After nearly six decades of glorious service, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) MiG-21 fighter jet bid farewell to the skies today in a historic retirement ceremony in Chandigarh. The farewell marks the end of an era for the world’s longest-serving fighter jet, which not only defended India during critical wars but also symbolized the country’s growing air power for generations.

The IAF hosted a grand ceremony that included aerial displays, formation flights, and a symbolic water cannon salute as the last MiG-21s touched down for the final time.

Reliving Its Glorious Past in Wars

• 1965 & 1971 Indo-Pak Wars: The MiG-21 first proved its mettle in the 1965 war and went on to dominate the skies during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. One of its most iconic strikes was the bombing of the Dhaka Governor’s House, a mission that crushed the morale of East Pakistan’s leadership.
• Kargil Conflict (1999): MiG-21s carried out critical ground-attack missions in the high-altitude battles of Kargil.
• Balakot Air Strike (2019): A MiG-21 Bison, flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, famously shot down a Pakistani F-16, showcasing that even an ageing jet could hold its own against modern adversaries.

Final Flight and Farewell Ceremony

The farewell was both emotional and symbolic:

• Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took the cockpit to lead the final sortie.
• Squadron Leader Priya Sharma led the historic last operational flight.
• Special formations like the Victory Formation by the IAF’s 23rd Squadron “Panthers” and a Cloud Formation of MiG-21s with Tejas jets highlighted the transition from an old warrior to India’s indigenous future fighter.
• The event concluded with six MiG-21s landing together, shutting down engines for the last time, and receiving a traditional water cannon salute.

Dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, chiefs of all three armed services, and former IAF chiefs witnessed the send-off.

The Legacy of the MiG-21 in India

• Induction: Entered IAF service in 1963.
• Numbers: India acquired 874 MiG-21s, making it the backbone of the IAF for decades.
• Upgrades: The final variant, the MiG-21 Bison, was inducted in 2013 with modern avionics and weapons.
• Role: Served as a multirole fighter, excelling in air defense, ground attack, and interception roles.

The MiG-21 not only served as India’s frontline fighter for decades but also trained generations of IAF pilots, many of whom earned their wings on this aircraft.

The Controversial Side: “Flying Coffin” & “Widow Maker”

Despite its success, the MiG-21 was plagued by safety concerns:

• Accidents: Over 400 crashes have been recorded since induction.
• Casualties: Many young IAF pilots lost their lives, giving the jet grim nicknames like “Flying Coffin” and “Widow Maker”.
• Reasons: Outdated design, ageing airframes, engine failures, and maintenance challenges contributed to its poor safety record.

This long-standing criticism was a major factor behind the decision to finally phase it out.

Transition to the Future

The MiG-21 will now pass the baton to more modern fighters like the HAL Tejas, Rafale, and the upcoming AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). The farewell ceremony’s formation flight with MiG-21s and Tejas symbolized this generational shift in India’s aerial defense.

Conclusion

The retirement of the MiG-21 marks the end of an era for Indian aviation. While its service record carries both glory and controversy, there is no doubt that the MiG-21 will remain etched in India’s military history as an icon of air power, courage, and resilience.

As India looks ahead to advanced fighter jets and indigenous designs, the MiG-21’s six-decade-long legacy will continue to inspire generations of pilots and defense enthusiasts alike.