IAF Prepares to Retire Iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jet
After serving the nation for over 60 years and participating in every major Indian military conflict since the 1960s, the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet is finally preparing for its last flight. A ceremonial farewell for the aircraft is scheduled for September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase, marking the end of a long and storied chapter in Indian aviation history.
A Long and Storied Service
First inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter, giving the Indian Air Force (IAF) a significant technological advantage for decades. The aircraft played a vital role in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and even the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. At its peak, the MiG-21 was the largest fighter fleet operated by India, with over 850 aircraft procured over the years.
A Mixed Legacy
Despite its celebrated service record, the MiG-21 leaves behind a mixed legacy. In its later years, the aging fleet was plagued by frequent crashes, earning it the grim nickname the "Flying Coffin." Though the aircraft had long outlived its intended service life, delays in the procurement of new fighters, particularly the indigenous LCA Tejas, forced the IAF to keep the MiG-21s flying through multiple life-extension programs.
Impact on the Air Force
The retirement of the final MiG-21 squadron, nicknamed the "Panthers," will be a deeply emotional moment for the generations of pilots who flew it. However, it also presents a strategic challenge. The de-induction will see the IAF's active combat squadron strength drop to 29, its lowest number since the 1960s.
In conclusion, the farewell to the MiG-21 is more than just the retirement of an old aircraft. It is the end of an era for the IAF, a moment that encapsulates both the pride of its past victories and the pressing need for modernization to secure its future.
