Indian Air Force to Retire Iconic MiG-21 with Farewell Ceremony
After serving the Indian Air Force for over sixty years, the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet will be officially retired on September 19. The farewell ceremony will take place at the Chandigarh airbase, where the aircraft, currently operating under the IAF’s 23 Squadron known as the Panthers, will be permanently grounded. This event marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in India's military aviation history.
First introduced in 1963, the MiG-21 was India's inaugural supersonic fighter jet and played a transformative role in enhancing the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities during the 1960s and 70s. The aircraft was instrumental in several key conflicts, including the wars of 1965 and 1971, the Kargil conflict in 1999, the airstrikes in Balakot in 2019, and the ongoing Operation Sindoor.
Despite its celebrated history in combat, the MiG-21 faced criticism in later years due to its frequent involvement in crashes, leading to its somber nickname, "Flying Coffin." Nevertheless, it remained a cornerstone of India's air defense strategy and significantly influenced successive generations of fighter pilots.
Aviation analyst Angad Singh commented, "No other fighter has been with the Indian Air Force for as long as the MiG-21. It has participated in nearly every military operation since 1965, including Operation Sindoor. For many Indian fighter pilots, this aircraft has been a defining part of their careers. Its retirement will be a deeply emotional moment."
The farewell ceremony will feature flypasts, static displays, and tributes from both active and retired officers who have been associated with the MiG-21's storied legacy.
