Farewell to an Icon: Indian Air Force to Retire MiG-21 Fighter Jets by September
The Indian Air Force will retire its legendary MiG-21 Fighter Jets by September, marking the end of an era in Indian military aviation history.
Indian Air Force Announces Retirement of Legendary MiG-21 Fighter Jets by September, Honouring Their Role from 1963 to Balakot Airstrikes
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to bid farewell to a historic chapter in its aviation journey—the retirement of the iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jets by September this year. Known for their remarkable service history and their defining role in key military operations, the MiG-21 Bison jets will soon be decommissioned after decades of active duty in India’s defence arsenal.
Currently, the IAF operates two squadrons of the upgraded Bison variant, the last remaining version of the MiG-21. These aircraft, developed by the Soviet Union’s Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau, were inducted into the IAF in 1963 and quickly rose to prominence as India’s first supersonic fighter jets. Over the years, the MiG-21 evolved into a symbol of power, agility, and resilience in the skies.
Originally scheduled for retirement several years ago, the MiG-21 Fighter Jets continued their service due to delays in the delivery of indigenous Tejas Mk1A jets. However, with production timelines stabilizing and more modern aircraft becoming operational, the time has now come to let go of this legendary machine. According to sources, a ceremonial farewell is being planned to honour the aircraft’s extraordinary contribution to India’s air defence over the past six decades.
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Among the MiG-21’s many moments of glory, its involvement in the 2019 Balakot airstrikes stands out in recent memory. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flew a MiG-21 Bison during a high-stakes dogfight with Pakistani fighter jets, showcasing the aircraft’s capability and the pilot’s bravery. The image of his mustachioed return to India after being captured and released became an instant symbol of national pride.
Throughout its service, the MiG-21 Fighter Jets participated in significant combat missions, including the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. Their agility and supersonic speed gave the IAF a definitive edge in those conflicts, marking them as an indispensable asset. In total, over 870 MiG-21 aircraft were operated by India, making it one of the largest users of the type globally.
Globally, the MiG-21 has carved out a prestigious legacy in the world of military aviation. With more than 11,000 units produced, it remains one of the most widely manufactured supersonic jet fighters in history. Its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and performance made it a favourite not only in India but also in the air forces of countries across Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
As India moves forward with a more modern fleet comprising the likes of the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and the indigenous Tejas jets, the MiG-21’s retirement marks the end of an era. Yet, its legacy will live on—not just in museums and aviation history books, but in the memories of generations of IAF personnel who flew and maintained the aircraft with dedication and honour.
The retirement of the MiG-21 Fighter Jets is not just the decommissioning of a machine; it’s the celebration of an aviation icon that served as the backbone of India’s aerial might for more than 60 years. As the IAF transitions into the next generation of fighter capabilities, the MiG-21 will be remembered as the aircraft that defended the Indian skies with unwavering resolve.
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