The Indian Air Force will formally retire its MiG 21 fighter jets on September 26, bringing an end to more than sixty years of service for the aircraft that earned the title of the force’s warhorse.
Inducted into service in the early 1960s, the MiG 21 became the backbone of India’s air power for decades. It was among the first supersonic fighters in the region and went on to play a defining role in several conflicts, including the wars of 1965 and 1971, the Kargil conflict of 1999 and the Balakot strike in 2019.
The aircraft was originally designed by the Soviet Union and licensed for production in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Its speed, versatility and ability to operate from shorter runways made it a formidable platform during its peak years. For many young pilots, the MiG 21 became the aircraft in which they earned their wings in combat flying.
Over time, however, the aircraft’s limitations became more apparent. Despite upgrades under the Bison programme, the design remained rooted in a different era. Critics pointed to its ageing technology and rising accident rates. The MiG 21 was involved in several crashes in recent years, raising questions about its continued use in frontline operations.
The Air Force gradually phased out older squadrons while inducting newer platforms such as the Sukhoi 30 MKI, Rafale and indigenously developed Tejas fighters. With the retirement of the MiG 21, the IAF is expected to focus on modernising its fleet and expanding its capabilities with more advanced aircraft.
Defence analysts describe the MiG 21’s legacy as complex but significant. On one hand, it provided India with reliable air power in multiple wars, often outperforming better equipped adversaries. On the other, its prolonged service exposed the challenges of replacing ageing platforms in time. Its contribution, however, is widely acknowledged as unmatched in terms of combat hours and operational impact.
Veterans recall the MiG 21 with a mix of pride and nostalgia. Many remember it as the aircraft that gave them confidence in India’s ability to defend its skies. Air shows across the country have often featured the MiG 21 as a reminder of India’s aviation history.
The retirement ceremony later this week is expected to be attended by senior military officers and veterans who flew the aircraft in different conflicts. It will also mark the transition towards a more modern fleet. Officials confirmed that the Air Force remains committed to ensuring operational readiness while integrating advanced platforms suited for contemporary warfare.
While the MiG 21 will no longer patrol India’s skies, its legacy is likely to endure in military history. For six decades, it symbolised both the strength and the challenges of the Indian Air Force. Its final flypast on 26 September will bring closure to an era that shaped the nation’s defence narrative.
