After over six decades of service, the iconic MiG-21 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force are set to retire, with a ceremonial farewell scheduled for September 19. The final aircraft, belonging to the 23 Squadron – also known as the Panthers – will be decommissioned at a special ceremony at the Chandigarh airbase.
IAF’s combat strength drops to lowest level since 1960s
With this decommissioning, the Indian Air Force’s strength will fall to 29 combat squadrons — its lowest in history since the 1960s. During the 1965 war with Pakistan, the Air Force had 32 squadrons.
From 1965 to Operation Sindoor: Longest-serving fighter in IAF history
The MiG-21 holds the record for the longest service in IAF history — over 62 years. Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic jet. The aircraft took part in every major conflict from the 1965 war with Pakistan to the recent Operation Sindoor, contributing significantly to India’s air defence. It gave the country an edge in aerial combat through the 1960s and ’70s. However, in later years, the aircraft became infamous for frequent accidents, earning it the nickname ‘Flying Coffin’.
India operated more than 850 MiG-21s in total, including trainer variants. Nearly 600 of these were produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
“No other fighter has been associated with the IAF for as long as the MiG-21 — an incredible two-thirds of the IAF’s 93-year history is inextricably linked to this jet,” said aviation expert Angad Singh cited by ET. “It has served in every combat action since 1965, through to Operation Sindoor, and has touched the career of nearly every Indian fighter pilot alive today. There is no doubt this will be an emotional farewell to a legend of Indian skies.”
IAF extends MiG-21 operations due to delays in LCA Mk1A induction
The MiG-21 is reportedly set to be replaced by the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, but delays in the delivery of the modern indigenous jets have pushed back the phase-out timeline. As a result, the operational life of the MiG-21 was extended beyond initial expectations. Notably, the last remaining MiG-21 squadron remained on operational alert during the recent Operation Sindoor.
IAF to honour MiG-21 legacy with grand farewell ceremony
Reuter’s report said that senior IAF leadership and veterans who flew or maintained the MiG-21 over the years will attend the farewell ceremony. Flypasts and static displays of the aircraft are also being planned as part of the event.