‘So Long’: IAF’s MiG-21 Fighter Jet Bows Out After Six Decades Of Service

Last Updated:September 26, 2025, 12:16 is

The decommissioning ceremony of the Indian Air Force’s legendary MiG-21, the country’s first supersonic fighter and interceptor, was held on Friday

IAF’s MiG-21 during final sortie on Friday | Image: ANI

The Indian Air Force’s iconic MiG-21, the nation’s first supersonic fighter and interceptor, formally retired at a ceremonial farewell on Friday.

With 62 years in service, the jet has been a cornerstone of India’s air power and has left an indelible mark on the nation’s military aviation history.

A formal decommissioning ceremony was held in Chandigarh, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior IAF officials, veterans, and families of air warriors.

The MiG-21s led the Badal and Panther formations, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh himself joining the Badal formation alongside Squadron Leader Priya Sharma.

“Today, 26th September, I shall be in Chandigarh. Shall attend the Decommissioning ceremony of IAF’s MiG-21. Looking forward to it,” Singh posted on X ahead of the event.

The farewell was marked by an elaborate flypast, featuring MiG-21s, Jaguars, and the Suryakiran aerobatic team.

A simulated dogfight between MiG-21s and Jaguars is part of the programme, intended to recall the jet’s role during the 2019 Balakot airstrike, when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman famously engaged a Pakistani F-16.

The jets will also receive a ceremonial water cannon salute, and in a symbolic gesture, the Air Chief will hand over the aircraft’s Form 700 logbook to the Defence Minister, marking the close of an era.

A special commemorative postal cover is also being released.

MiG-21’s Legacy

Since its induction in 1963, the MiG-21 has played a decisive role in key conflicts.

It saw action in the 1965 war with Pakistan and in 1971 struck the Governor’s House in Dhaka, a turning point in the conflict.

Decades later, it shot down a Pakistani F-16 in the aftermath of the Balakot strike, cementing its legacy. Most recently, the aircraft was deployed effectively during Operation Sindoor.

With the MiG-21’s retirement, the IAF’s fighter strength will drop to 29 squadrons, well short of the sanctioned 42.

This gap is expected to be filled gradually with the induction of Tejas Mk-1 and Mk-2 aircraft, as well as additional Rafale fighters in the pipeline.

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