✈️ MiG 21 Farewell: India Bids Goodbye to Its Iconic Fighter Jet After Six Decades
MiG 21 Farewell Marks the End of an Era in Indian Air Force History:
Kolkata, Sept 27 (Digital Preeyam News – World News):
The Indian Air Force (IAF) officially bid farewell to the MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26, 2025, in an emotional decommissioning ceremony held in Chandigarh. Known as India’s first supersonic jet and a symbol of Cold War-era air power, the MiG-21 served the nation for more than 60 years before taking its final bow.
The event marked the retirement of the last two squadrons—No. 23 “Panthers” and No. 3 “Cobras”—bringing an iconic chapter of India’s air defense history to a close.
🔑 Key Highlights of the MiG 21 Farewell:
Historic Jet: Introduced in 1963, the MiG-21 became India’s first supersonic fighter aircraft.
Service Duration: It remained in service for over six decades—longer than originally intended.
Decommissioning Ceremony: The final send-off featured a ceremonial flypast at the Chandigarh Air Force Station.
Squadrons Retired: No. 23 and No. 3 squadrons, operating about 36 jets, were decommissioned.
Legacy: Despite its accidents and controversies, the jet played a pivotal role in defending Indian skies.
Why the MiG 21 Farewell Matters for India’s Air Power:
The MiG 21 farewell represents both pride and challenges for the IAF. While the jet safeguarded India during multiple conflicts, including the 1971 Indo-Pak war, its long service period highlights the slow pace of modern fighter induction.
With the MiG-21 era ending, the IAF now faces the pressing task of filling its shrinking squadron strength. The Air Force currently operates fewer than 30 squadrons against the sanctioned strength of 42, raising concerns over operational readiness.
✈️ MiG 21 Farewell: Legacy of India’s First Supersonic Fighter
The MiG-21 was a Soviet-era jet that became the backbone of India’s aerial defense during the late 20th century. Known for its speed and versatility, it also earned the nickname “Flying Coffin” due to frequent crashes in later years.
Still, the aircraft trained generations of IAF pilots and instilled confidence during critical wars. Its final flight in Chandigarh was a symbolic salute to its decades of service.
The Road Ahead: Modernizing IAF After MiG 21 Farewell
With the MiG-21 gone, India is focusing on:
Induction of Tejas Mk-1A and development of the Tejas Mk-2.
Procurement of Rafale fighters and discussions on new 5th-generation jets.
Acceleration of the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program.
Expanding indigenous aircraft production under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.
Experts suggest that phasing out the MiG-21 opens opportunities for India to modernize its fleet with next-generation technology, while also reducing accident risks tied to outdated platforms.
Final Thoughts: A Proud Goodbye in MiG 21 Farewell
The MiG 21 farewell is more than just a retirement—it is the end of a historic journey in India’s military aviation. From being India’s first supersonic jet to serving in key wars, the MiG-21 remains etched in the memory of the nation.
As India looks to the future with modern fighters and indigenous programs, the MiG-21’s final salute stands as a reminder of resilience, sacrifice, and pride in the country’s air power evolution.
Stay tuned with Digital Preeyam News – World News for more updates on defense, aerospace, and India’s growing military modernization.
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Writer:
Preeyam Kumar Prasad
(Digital Preeyam)
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the significance of the MiG 21 in Indian Air Force history?
Answer: The MiG 21 was India’s first supersonic fighter jet and served for over six decades, playing a pivotal role in defending the nation during multiple conflicts.
When was the MiG 21 officially retired in India?
Answer: The Indian Air Force officially bid farewell to the MiG 21 on September 26, 2025, with a decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh.
Which squadrons of the IAF were operating the MiG 21 before its retirement?
Answer: The last MiG 21 squadrons in service were No. 23 “Panthers” and No. 3 “Cobras.”
Why was the MiG 21 nicknamed the “Flying Coffin”?
Answer: The nickname arose due to frequent accidents in the later years of service, although the aircraft remained a crucial part of India’s air defense.
What fighter jets are replacing the MiG 21 in the Indian Air Force?
Answer: The MiG 21 is being replaced by modern fighters like the Tejas Mk-1A, Rafale jets, and future 5th-generation aircraft under the AMCA program.
How did the MiG 21 contribute to India’s defense during wars?
Answer: The MiG 21 played a key role in multiple conflicts, including the 1971 Indo-Pak war, providing speed, versatility, and strategic advantage in aerial combat.
What does the MiG 21 farewell mean for the modernization of the IAF?
Answer: Its retirement highlights the need to modernize the fleet, accelerate indigenous aircraft programs, and reduce reliance on aging platforms for safer and more efficient operations.
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