MiG-21 To Retire After Six Decades Of Service

India officially retires the MiG-21 fighter jet, which has served in the Indian Air Force since 1963. The farewell ceremony highlights its historical significance and the transition to modern aircraft technologies.

Updated: Thursday, September 25, 2025, 13:05 [IST]

India is set to retire the MiG-21 fighter jet, a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over six decades. The final squadron operating this iconic aircraft, No. 23 Sqn "Panthers," will see it off. The MiG-21's last flight took place during a rehearsal at Air Force Station Chandigarh, marking its exit from active service.

The official farewell ceremony for the MiG-21 is scheduled at Chandigarh Air Force Station. This event will feature a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning on Friday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other top military officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, will attend.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is retiring the MiG-21 fighter jet, a mainstay since 1963, with the final squadron, No. 23 Sqn Panthers, overseeing its decommissioning at Air Force Station Chandigarh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and military officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, will attend the farewell ceremony, which concludes a chapter of aerial combat history, including the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan.

MiG-21's Historical Significance

The MiG-21 has been integral to India's air defence since its induction in 1963. Over 870 units were acquired by the IAF to enhance combat capabilities. It played pivotal roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, as well as in the Kargil conflict of 1999 and the Balakot airstrikes in 2019.

Before this formal retirement, the MiG-21 made its last operational flights at Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan's Bikaner. This occurred a month prior to the scheduled decommissioning event in Chandigarh.

End of an Era

The decommissioning marks the end of an era for India's air power history. The MiG-21 was first inducted at Chandigarh, making it fitting that its service concludes there too. Its retirement closes a significant chapter in India's military aviation narrative.

The presence of high-ranking officials underscores the importance of this event. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi are among those expected to be present.

This transition reflects evolving defence strategies and technological advancements within India's armed forces. As India bids farewell to this legendary aircraft, it looks forward to modernising its fleet with newer technologies.