Veteran Air Commodore Seeking Final Flight in MiG-21 Ahead of 2025 Retirement

As the Indian Air Force plans to retire its renowned MiG-21 Bison fleet by the close of 2025, Air Commodore Surendra Singh Tyagi (Retd), an esteemed veteran, emerges for his extraordinary connection with the aircraft. At 83, Tyagi holds the global record for the highest number of flying hours on a MiG-21, having accumulated 4,306 hours and 6,316 sorties during his service.

With the aircraft nearing the end of its operational life, Tyagi has expressed a deep desire to fly the MiG-21 one last time. "This is one request which I will be making to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, whom I shall be meeting very soon," he shared during a phone conversation from his residence in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Tyagi's association with the MiG-21 is legendary. His achievement was acknowledged by the Russian authorities in 2013 when the Russian ambassador awarded him a trophy for his remarkable accomplishment. The Indian Air Force also honored him with a golden plaque, and he received recognition from then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1993.

“I never flew for myself. You flew for the people with you, and you gave them whatever positive things you learnt,” Tyagi remarked. Beyond his flying hours, he is remembered as a mentor who trained and inspired countless IAF pilots.

The MiG-21 joined the Indian Air Force in 1963 and has been a vital component of India's air capabilities. It played significant roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars, as well as the Kargil conflict, receiving numerous upgrades over the years. The MiG-21 Bison, introduced in the early 2000s, enhanced the aircraft with modern radar, avionics, and missile capabilities, extending its operational life into the 21st century.

Despite its accomplishments, the MiG-21 has been criticized for its high accident rate, with over 400 crashes since its induction, earning it the unfortunate nickname "flying coffin." The IAF has been gradually retiring the MiG-21, replacing it with more advanced aircraft such as the Tejas, Rafale, and the forthcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. The last squadron, No. 3 "Cobras" based at Nal in Rajasthan, is expected to retire by late 2025.

Air Commodore Tyagi's request for a final flight is a poignant reflection of his relationship with the aircraft. While a solo flight at his age may not be feasible due to medical and operational limitations, a ceremonial flight in a two-seat MiG-21 trainer with an active IAF pilot is a possibility. Such an event would be a fitting tribute to both the pilot and the aircraft.

Tyagi’s journey is emblematic of the evolution of the IAF. He began flying the MiG-21 when it was among the most advanced fighters globally, capable of challenging Pakistan’s F-86 Sabres and F-104 Starfighters. Over the decades, he witnessed the aircraft's development and its role in asserting India's aerial superiority.

His potential final flight would not only commemorate a lifetime of dedication but also serve as a significant farewell to an aircraft that has defined a significant era in Indian military aviation.