Indian Air Force Bids Farewell to the Legendary MiG-21

After 62 years of distinguished and often heroic service, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially retired its iconic MiG-21 fighter jet, closing a significant chapter in the nation's military aviation history. The venerable Soviet-era aircraft, India's first supersonic fighter, was given a grand and fitting send-off at a formal ceremony in Chandigarh attended by top military leaders, veterans, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

A Legendary Combat Record

Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 became the backbone of the IAF for decades, forging a formidable combat record across multiple conflicts. It played a crucial role in the 1965 war with Pakistan and was instrumental in the 1971 war, where its precision bombing of the Dhaka Governor House is widely regarded as a turning point in the conflict.

Even in the modern era, the aging fighter proved its mettle. In the aftermath of the 2019 Balakot airstrike, a MiG-21 flown by then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman famously shot down a much more advanced Pakistani F-16 in a tense dogfight, cementing its legendary status. The aircraft continued to serve effectively in recent combat missions, underscoring its remarkable longevity and adaptability.

A Grand and Fitting Farewell

The farewell ceremony was a tribute to the aircraft's storied past. The event featured a spectacular flypast with MiG-21s leading Jaguars and the Suryakiran aerobatic team in special formations. In a symbolic final flight, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew the last sortie in the fleet, marking the official moment of decommissioning.

The ceremony was rich with tradition, including a ceremonial water cannon salute for the departing jets. In a poignant gesture, the Air Chief handed over the aircraft's official logbook to the Defence Minister, formally concluding its operational service with the IAF.

The End of an Era and Future Challenges

The retirement of the last MiG-21 squadrons, while necessary, presents a challenge for the IAF. The decommissioning reduces the air force's fighter strength to 29 squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 required to meet national security challenges.

This capability gap is slated to be filled by a new generation of aircraft. The IAF is in the process of inducting the indigenously developed LCA Tejas Mk1 and Mk2 fighters, and plans are underway to procure additional Rafale jets from France to bolster the fleet and ensure the nation's air superiority for decades to come.

Highlights of a Historic Farewell

End of an Era: The iconic MiG-21 fighter jet, the IAF's first supersonic aircraft, has been officially retired after 62 years of service.

Storied Combat History: The aircraft was a veteran of multiple wars, playing pivotal roles in the 1965 and 1971 conflicts and famously downing a Pakistani F-16 in 2019.

Fitting Send-Off: A grand farewell ceremony was held in Chandigarh, featuring a final flypast and a symbolic last sortie flown by the Air Chief Marshal.

Squadron Shortfall: The retirement temporarily reduces the IAF's fighter strength to 29 squadrons, with plans to induct modern Tejas and Rafale jets to fill the gap.