MiG-21 Farewell: IAF’s Iconic Fighter Jet Retires After 62 Years

The Indian Air Force's MiG-21, a supersonic fighter jet, will make its final flight on September 26, 2025. This aircraft, introduced in the early 1960s, marked India's entry into the jet age. Pilots who have flown this Soviet-era machine over the decades will bid it a nostalgic farewell, remembering its significant role in their careers.

Air Chief Marshal A. Y. Tipnis (retd), a veteran pilot and former IAF chief, reminisced about the challenges faced when the MiG-21 was first introduced. "The MiG-21 taught us how to be innovative and produce results," he said in a podcast shared by the IAF ahead of its decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh.

Legacy of the MiG-21

Tipnis began his journey as a fighter pilot in 1960 and soon joined MiG-21 squadrons. By July 1977, he led No. 23 Squadron equipped with MiG-21 Bis aircraft. He recalled that initially, there were no trainers or simulators for this aircraft, and everything in the cockpit was labeled in Russian.

The transition from measuring speed in knots to kilometers per hour also posed challenges for pilots accustomed to the former system. "In the first solo, you are mostly lost until you came back," Tipnis shared. Despite these hurdles, pilots adapted and excelled with this aircraft.
MiG-21's Role in Conflicts

The MiG-21 played crucial roles in various conflicts like the wars of 1965 and 1971, the Kargil conflict of 1999, and even during the Balakot strike in 2019. As Chief of Air Staff during Operation Safed Sagar in 1999, Tipnis oversaw critical campaigns involving these jets.

Despite its achievements, some have dubbed these jets 'flying coffins' due to past crashes. A former IAF pilot argued against such terms as they affect pilots' families' morale. The aircraft has been integral to India's military actions over decades.
A Symbolic Farewell

The last of these jets from Squadron No. 23, known as "Panthers," will receive a ceremonial farewell at Chandigarh Air Force Station. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh marked this occasion by flying solo sorties from Nal air base on August 18-19.

Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) described the MiG-21 as "the backbone of the IAF" for over six decades. It served as an icon and trusted companion during both war and peace times while training generations of fighter pilots.
Adapting to New Roles

Although designed for high-altitude flying, IAF pilots adapted the MiG-21 for low-level strike purposes with remarkable success. Tipnis noted that despite limited visibility at low altitudes, their adaptability showcased tremendous skill within the force.

Grp Capt Nanda Rajender highlighted its role from being advanced fighters during wars to performing Operational Readiness Platform duties during Operation Sindoor. The legacy fighter remained ready to defend skies if needed.

The decommissioning event will see six former IAF chiefs attending alongside Tipnis: S. Krishnaswamy, S.P Tyagi, P.V Naik B.S Dhanoa R.K.S Bhadauria-all celebrating this iconic aircraft's history since induction over six decades ago.

"The MiG-21 gave the IAF wings it never had before," said late veteran air warrior P.C Lal-a sentiment echoed by many as they prepare for its final flight into history on Friday evening carrying memories etched forever upon those who flew them proudly across Indian skies.