✈️ 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.
📢 Stay Connected with Digital Preeyam News – Defence & World News:
✅ Coverage of Indian Air Force milestones
✅ Updates on defense modernization and aerospace tech
✅ Breaking world news with an Indian perspective
👉 Subscribe now to Digital Preeyam News and never miss a defense story that matters!
Writer:
Preeyam Kumar Prasad
(Digital Preeyam)
Social Media Profile:
❓ 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.
🌍 Putin Offers India: Russia Assures “Uninterrupted” Fuel Flow Despite Western Pressure | Digital Preeyam News 🏆 Putin Offers India – Global Energy & Diplomacy Overview: The global energy and...
1 Veto Rights India – Will India Finally Gain Permanent UNSC Veto Power? 🔴 Veto Rights India: France Strongly Supports India’s Bid for Permanent UN Security Council Seat Kolkata, Nov 27, 2025 –...
1 🔴AL Falah University Suspended: AIU Flags Serious Compliance Issues Amid Red Fort Blast Probe | Digital Preeyam News 🚨 Massive Action After Terror Blast: AL Falah University Suspended as AIU Flags...
1 🔴 Bihar Election Result News LIVE: NDA Crosses 200 Seats, Big Political Shake-Up in Patna | Digital Preeyam News 🚨 Bihar Election Result LIVE: High Voter Turnout, Historic Mandate Shifts State’s...
🔴 Delhi Red Fort Blast News LIVE: High Alert in Capital, 9 Dead, Terror Angle Suspected | Digital Preeyam News 🚨 Delhi Red Fort Blast LIVE: Massive Explosion Near Lal Qila Metro Station Rocks Capital...
💡Future of Travel Begins: France Introduces Smart EV Charging Road Near Paris | Digital Preeyam News
🇫🇷 France Launches the World’s First Wireless EV Charging Road: A Revolution in Green Mobility France Leads the Future of Electric Transport with the World’s First EV Charging Road: Kolkata, Nov 5...
Largest Airbase India: Khajuraho Set to Become the Heart of IAF’s Strategic Expansion India to Build Its Largest Airbase Near Khajuraho | Digital Preeyam News: Kolkata, Oct 29 (Digital Preeyam News –...
PM Modi Announces Collaboration with the UK to Bring Top Universities to India | Digital Preeyam News: New Era for Higher Education: UK Universities Campuses In India Announced Kolkata, Oct 22...
India Surpasses the U.S. in 5G Expansion, Becomes the World 2nd Largest 5G Market | Digital Preeyam News: India Overtakes USA in 5G Race, Becomes the World 2nd Largest 5G Market: Kolkata, Oct 11...
North Bengal Disaster: 500 Tourists Rescued from Darjeeling as Death Toll Rises to 28 | Digital Preeyam News North Bengal Disaster: 500 Tourists Rescued, Death Toll Reaches 28 Amid Flood Fury...
UPI on Global Streak: Qatar Joins as 8th Country Accepting Indian Digital Payments UPI on Global Streak: Qatar Joins List of Countries Accepting UPI Payments Kolkata, Sept 27 (Digital Preeyam News –...
1 Visa Free Countries for Indian Citizens: 59 Destinations Open for Hassle-Free Travel Visa Free Countries for Indian Passport Holders in 2025: Everything You Need to Know Kolkata, Sept 20 (Digital...
Tax on Different Items in India: How PM Modi’s GST Reforms Transformed Everyday Life Tax on Different Items in India – Overview: The tax structure on essential and everyday items in India has...
1 India’s GDP Growth India: 7.8% Surge Under PM Modi Supervision 🌍 India Economic Resurgence Under PM Modi: Despite some world leaders labeling India as a “dead economy,” the latest data reveals a...
1 Africa is Splitting Apart: The Birth of a New Ocean? Africa is Splitting Apart: A New Geological Frontier Africa is splitting apart Slowly, a process that could reshape the continent as we know it...
