Synopsis
“Over the years, the MiG-21 kept evolving. With every upgrade—whether it was advanced missiles, modern avionics, or cutting-edge systems—it became clear that this aircraft was no longer just another fighter jet. It carried stories of innovation, resilience, and countless missions in the skies. And Rose above being just a fighter jet — it became a proud guardian of India’s skies.
A legend that defined and trained generations of great fighter warriors over the period of time. One can’t help but wonder—was it simply a machine, or a true symbol of India’s determination to stay ahead in the game of air power?”
It wasn’t just a fighter jet—it was a memory etched into the skies. With every roar, the MiG-21 carried stories of valor, heartbreak, and unmatched legacy. And now, with a final salute, the MiG-21 Retires After Six Decades.
Table of Contents
MiG-21 Retires After Six Decades of service in the Indian Air Force, marking its final operational flight on August 26, 2025, from Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner. The iconic jet will be formally bid farewell during a retirement ceremony which is scheduled in Chandigarh on September 26, 2025.
Inside Iconic MiG- 21: IAF Chief's Emotional Final Sortie, Indian Fighter Which Last Killed Pakistani F-16 #TNDIGITALVIDEOS pic.twitter.com/xEN9eBMrBj
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) August 26, 2025
As the MiG-21 Retires After Six Decades, the Indian Air Force marked its farewell with a poignant tribute. On August 18 and 19, Air Chief Marshal Sir A.P. Singh and Squadron Leader Priya Sharma each flew solo sorties from Nal Air Force Station—an act that symbolized more than just tradition.
It was a deeply moving moment for generations of fighter pilots who trained on the Soviet-made MiG-21, an aircraft that shaped India’s aerial defense for 62 years. The ritual farewell wasn’t just ceremonial—it was a salute to legacy, sacrifice, and the emotional bond shared by the Air Force community.
The Origine of MiG-21
It was Valentine’s Day, 1955. At Zhukovsky Airfield near Moscow, the temperature hovered just below freezing. But what took flight that morning wasn’t romance—it was revolution. The Ye-2 prototype, designed by Mikoyan and Gurevich, sliced through the cold Soviet air, marking the birth of what the entire world knows the MiG-21 a fighter jet that would go on to define aerial warfare across continents.
In 1963, the Indian Air Force formally inducted its first squadron of 12 MiG-21 fighter jets—laying the cornerstone of a legendary partnership. What began as a strategic acquisition soon evolved into a defining chapter of India’s aerial doctrine, shaping its combat legacy and military identity across generations.
The MiG-21 and its numerous variants had lead of every major armed conflict involving India—weather it is a full-scale wars or a high-stakes escalations. One of the most iconic moments came on February 27, 2019, when Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman (then Wing Commander) etched his name into military history.
In the aftermath of India’s Balakot airstrike, a pre-emptive non-military operation targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps, Pakistani fighter jets—F-16s (US-made) and JF-17s (China-made)—were detected approaching the Line of Control. Within minutes, Abhinandan scrambled his MiG 21 Bison, a jet far less advanced than the F-16, and locked onto the intruding aircraft using its Airborne Intercept (AI) radar.
Against all odds, Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman successfully shot down a Pakistani F-16, remarking the first-ever confirmed shoot down kill of an F-16 by a MiG 21 anywhere in the world. It was not just a moment that showcased individual bravery, but also the enduring relevance of the MiG-21 in modern day combat.
This was just one chapter in the MiG-21’s extraordinary 62-year journey—a saga of triumphs, tragedies, and transformation. As the IAF prepares for its final farewell, the moment when the MiG-21 retires after six decades becomes more than symbolic. Even as the last squadron taxis toward retirement, the echoes of its sonic booms still reverberate through the skies it once dominated—a Cold War artefact turned legend.
The MiG-21's Entry into India
The First bath of 12 MiG-21 jet India received in 1963. At the time, the Indian Air Force was in urgent need of a high-altitude interceptor—something capable of challenging reconnaissance aircraft like the American U-2 spy plane, which flew well above conventional engagement zones. That strategic requirement led India to the MiG-21. It wasn’t just a purchase—it was a calculated leap into supersonic air defense.
Originally built as a high-speed interceptor, the MiG-21 quickly outgrew its blueprint. Over time, it adapted to roles far beyond its intended scope—executing ground attack missions, conducting fighter reconnaissance, bolstering air defense, and even serving as a training platform for future combat pilots. Ironically, pilot training wasn’t part of its original design philosophy.
In fact, when the jet first entered service, its unforgiving flight dynamics—limited cockpit visibility, steep landing speeds, and razor-thin margins for error—particularly for novices transitioning from subsonic to supersonic planes. Meant only the Indian Air Force’s most seasoned aviators were cleared to fly the beast.
Through decades of service, the MiG-21 evolved far beyond its original blueprint. With successive upgrades in weapon systems and avionics, it transformed into a symbol of technological resilience and strategic depth.
More than a fighter jet, it became a living emblem of Indo-Russian defense cooperation—a partnership forged in Cold War pragmatism and sustained through shifting geopolitical tides.
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Types of MiG-21 Jets
| Variant | Induction Year | Key Features & Upgrades | Role in IAF |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiG-21FL | 1963 | First major variant, license-built in India, early radar & missiles | Supersonic interceptor, frontline jet in 1965 & 1971 wars |
| MiG-21M | 1973 | Improved avionics, radar, weapons | Multi-role fighter (air-to-air & ground attack) |
| MiG-21bis | 1977 | Powerful engine, better avionics, increased payload | Backbone of IAF during 1980s–90s |
| MiG-21 Bison | 2000s (Upgrade) | Israeli jammers, Russian R-73/R-77 missiles, semi-glass cockpit | Final advanced variant; shot down Pakistani F-16 in 2019 |
MiG-21 Retires After six Decades Leaving impressions in Indian Military History
From the moment they entered service, India’s MiG-21s became more than just aircraft—they became a constant in the nation’s defense narrative. Across every decade since induction, these jets saw combat, evolving into icons of Indian military and aviation history.
In the 1970s, they proved their mettle during the war with Pakistan, executing air superiority and ground attack missions. MiG-21s not only shot down enemy fighters but also escorted strike packages deep into hostile territory, asserting dominance over US-supplied Pakistani aircraft.
The 1980s saw their deployment in Sri Lanka, where they operated in a limited but strategic capacity—providing air cover and conducting reconnaissance as part of India’s peacekeeping efforts.
In the 1990s, during the Kargil War, the MiG-21—India’s aging yet dependable warhorse—once again proved its worth. Though deployed in a limited role, it executed ground attack and air defense missions with precision, reaffirming its tactical relevance in high-altitude warfare.
Over the next three decades, the jet faced repeated tests—whether against Pakistan’s evolving air fleet or China’s assertive maneuvers. Each time, the MiG-21 rose to the challenge, delivering with unwavering reliability.
In the 2010s, its legacy was etched deeper when India launched precision air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan following the 2019 Pulwama attack. The MiG-21 Bison, flown by Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, famously downed a Pakistani F-16—an act that stunned the global defense community.
Even in the 2020s, the MiG-21 continued to patrol the skies, this time over Ladakh’s rugged terrain along the Line of Actual Control with China. Its short scramble time and high-altitude performance made it a frontline asset, decades after its debut.
| Decade | Role & Operations | Highlights / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s–70s | Induction & First Major Combat (Indo-Pak War) | – Became backbone of Indian Air Force- Proved superiority against Pakistani jets (including US-supplied aircraft)- Carried out air superiority and ground attack missions |
| 1980s | Peacekeeping & Strategic Ops | – Deployed in Sri Lanka during IPKF mission- Conducted reconnaissance and provided air cover- Showed versatility beyond large-scale wars |
| 1990s | Kargil War | – Despite age, played crucial role- Executed ground attack & air defense missions in high-altitude warfare- Proved reliability in limited but critical operations |
| 2000s–2010s | Counter-Terror & Modern Air Combat | – Faced challenges from modern Pakistani and Chinese aircraft- 2019 Pulwama–Balakot aftermath: MiG-21 Bison shot down a Pakistani F-16 (pilot: Gp Capt Abhinandan Varthaman)—shocked global defense observers |
| 2020s | Border Tensions with China | – Patrolled Ladakh skies during LAC standoffs- Short scramble time & altitude performance made it still a frontline defender decades after induction |
The Present day of MiG-21
Today, only 36 MiG-21s remain in India’s arsenal—a stark contrast to the nearly 900 that once dominated the nation’s airspace, with around 660 proudly manufactured on Indian soil. These jets weren’t just machines; they were guardians of sovereignty, etched into the very fabric of India’s defense history. Now, as the MiG-21 retires after six decades, its legacy stands tall—an enduring symbol of India’s aerial might and resilience.
As MiG-21 Retires After six Decades, the final chapter belongs to the MiG-21 Bison, the last and most advanced variant. Equipped with upgraded avionics, enhanced navigation, and modern communication systems, the Bison represented a bold attempt to extend the jet’s relevance into the 21st century. Now, as it prepares to retire, it leaves behind a legacy of endurance, evolution, and excellence.
Introduced in the early 2000s, the MiG-21 Bison was no ordinary upgrade. It came equipped with an Israeli electronic jammer, Russian R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, a semi-glass cockpit, and a helmet-mounted targeting system—bringing Cold War bones into the digital age.
Its rapid scramble capability made it a perfect fit for forward bases like Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, where it consistently outperformed newer platforms like the MiG-29 in quick-response scenarios.
Even as the MiG-21 Retires After Six Decades, its legacy continues to command respect. Despite its vintage frame, the Bison variant proved deadly in the right hands. That was powerfully demonstrated in 2019, when Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman intercepted and shot down a Pakistani F-16—a modern multirole jet at least two generations ahead in design. In that moment, the world was reminded that experience, skill, and legacy can still outmatch cutting-edge technology.
What are the Pros and cons of MiG-21 Retires after six decades
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High agility and maneuverability | Accident-prone, high crash rate |
| Affordable compared to Western jets | Nicknamed “Flying Coffin” due to fatalities |
| Gave India its first supersonic entry into modern air combat | Outdated avionics & systems in later years |
| Extremely versatile – interceptor, ground attack, reconnaissance, training | Struggled to match newer-generation fighters in the 2000s |
MiG-21 Retires After six Decades leaving behind Legacy
As the MiG-21 Retires After Six Decades, it leaves behind not only a legacy of valor but also a trail of sorrow. Over the years, the aircraft earned grim nicknames like “flying coffin” and “widow maker”—terms painfully echoed by families of Air Force personnel who lost their lives in tragic accidents. These labels weren’t born out of disrespect, but out of grief—reflecting the emotional weight of an aircraft that served with distinction yet carried a heavy toll.
The Indian Air Force decided to retire the MiG-21 after many such incidents, including a tragic crash in Rajasthan in May 2023 that killed three villagers. While a damaged aircraft can be replaced, a trained fighter pilot cannot.
The decision marks a sobering milestone as the MiG-21 retires after six decades—a chapter closed not just by age, but by hard-earned lessons and irreversible loss.
Countries spend years building a pilot’s skills and experience. Losing even one sets the nation back by four to five years—because it takes that long to train someone to the same level.
The nickname “flying coffin” may linger in headlines, but it barely scratches the surface of what the MiG-21 truly represented. With blistering speed, sharp climb rates, and unmatched agility for its time, this jet became India’s shield in the skies.
And this wasn’t in an era of military abundance—it was over 50 years ago, when India was still finding its footing as a sovereign power. Producing hundreds of MiG-21s under license didn’t just fill hangars; it laid the foundation for India’s aerospace and defense industries.
More than a machine, the MiG-21 was a mentor. It trained generations of fighter pilots, shaped tactical doctrine, and in its final avatar—the Bison—it achieved what no MiG had ever done before: shooting down a US-made F-16 in live combat. That moment wasn’t just historic—it was symbolic of how this aging warhorse had dragged India into the jet age, one sortie at a time.
Replacement of MiG-21 with Tejas LCA mark 1A
Experts say the Indian Air Force (IAF) will soon replace the MiG-21 fighter jet with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A. The MiG-21 has served for nearly 60 years and is known as the “backbone of the IAF” because of its major role in building India’s air strength. The IAF plans to retire the MiG-21 on September 26.
The first MiG-21 squadron was No. 28, based in Chandigarh. Since the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic jet, the squadron was nicknamed “The First Supersonics.”
The MiG-21 played a key role in several wars. In the 1971 war, it attacked the Governor’s residence in Dhaka (then East Pakistan), which led to the governor’s resignation and Pakistan’s surrender. This event was a major turning point in the war, resulting in 93,000 prisoners of war.
The jet was also used in the 1965 war, and later in Kargil, Sri Lanka, and border patrols with China. It has shot down enemy aircraft from different generations, including the F-104 in 1971 and the F-16 in 2019, making it one of the most battle-tested jets in IAF history. Now, the Tejas Mark 1A will take over, marking the end of an era for the MiG-21.
MiG-21 vs Tejas LCA Mark 1A
As the iconic MiG-21 retires after six decades of service with the Indian Air Force, the spotlight shifts to its replacement—the Tejas LCA Mk1A. While the MiG-21 was a Cold War-era workhorse known for its speed and agility, the Tejas brings advanced technology, longer range, and greater operational flexibility.
The comparison below highlights how the Tejas Mk1A surpasses the MiG-21 in endurance, versatility, and mission readiness:
| Feature | MiG-21 (Bison) | Tejas LCA Mk1A |
|---|---|---|
| Induction | 1963 (Bison upgrade in 2000s) | 2024 onwards |
| Generation | 2nd / 3rd Gen (with upgrades) | 4th+ Gen |
| Max Speed | Mach 2.05 (~2,175 km/h) | Mach 1.8 (~2,200 km/h) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | ~2,750 liters (with drop tanks ~1,500 km) | 3,060 liters (~2,458 kg) (with drop tanks ~3,000 km) |
| Standard Range | ~1,200 km | ~1,850 km |
| Extended Range | ~1,500 km | ~3,000 km |
| Fuel Configuration | Internal fuel only (standard) External drop tanks (extended) | Internal fuel (standard) External tanks or aerial refueling (extended) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,500 m | 16,500 m |
| Avionics | Semi-glass cockpit, limited radar, Israeli jammers | Modern AESA radar, full glass cockpit, digital fly-by-wire |
| Weapons | R-73 & R-77 air-to-air missiles, basic ground-attack weapons | Astra & Derby BVR missiles, precision-guided bombs, BrahMos NG (future integration) |
| Mission Profile (Std.) | Short-range interception, border patrol | Tactical strike, air defense, regional patrol |
| Mission Profile (Ext.) | Ferry flights, repositioning | Long-range deployment, maritime patrol, strategic strike |
| Aerial Refueling | Rarely used or unavailable | Fully integrated for extended missions |
| Operational Flexibility | Limited to regional defense | Capable of Indo-Pacific reach |
| Era & Design Philosophy | Cold War-era, speed-focused interceptor | Modern multirole fighter with endurance and agility |
| Role | Interceptor, limited multi-role | True multi-role (air superiority, ground attack, maritime strike) |
| Status | Retiring in 2025 | Replacing MiG-21 as frontline light combat aircraft |
Understanding the concept of “Range” In terms of aircraft the Range is refers to how far the aircraft can fly under different conditions
MiG-21 Range Summary:
- Standard Range (~1,200 km): Operational radius using internal fuel only—ideal for short-range interception and combat missions.
- Extended Range (~1,500 km): Achieved with external fuel tanks or ferry mode; suitable for long-distance repositioning or patrols. Aerial refueling was rarely used in Indian service.
Tejas LCA Mk1A Range Summary:
- Standard Range (~1,850 km): Covers tactical missions using internal fuel—ideal for strikes, patrols, and air defense within regional boundaries
- Extended Range (~3,000 km): Enabled by external tanks or aerial refueling—supports long-range deployments, maritime patrols, and strategic reach across the Indo-Pacific.
The Tejas Mk1A wasn’t just a symbolic successor—it was designed around the MiG-21’s footprint, making it compact yet far more capable. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh even noted that Tejas “was conceived with the MiG-21 in mind”. Its induction marks a generational leap in India’s air combat capability, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Conclusion & Author’s Perspective
The MiG-21 retires after six decades marks the end of an era in Indian military aviation. For more than sixty years, this supersonic jet served as the backbone of the Indian Air Force—defending borders, shaping aerial doctrines, and training generations of fighter pilots.
Though it earned criticism for its accident record, the MiG-21 will forever be remembered for its agility, affordability, and unmatched contribution to India’s defense history.
From the battlefields of 1965 and 1971 to the high-altitude skies of Kargil and the modern-day Balakot clash, the MiG-21 was more than just a machine—it was a guardian of India’s skies.
Its final chapter is not just about retirement; it is about passing the torch to a new generation of indigenous fighters like the Tejas LCA Mark 1A.
As an observer, I see the MiG-21 not simply as an aircraft, but as a symbol of resilience and determination. The MiG-21 retires after six decades is more than a milestone—it marks the departure of a jet that stood tall when India was still finding its footing as a sovereign power and paved the way for our defense industry to dream bigger.
With its exit, we are not just bidding farewell to a machine—we are saluting a legend that carried India into the supersonic age and safeguarded our sovereignty for over half a century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on MiG-21 Retires After six Decades
Q1. When did India first induct the MiG-21 fighter jet?
India inducted its first MiG-21 squadron in 1963, marking the beginning of its supersonic era.
Q2. Why was the MiG-21 called the “Flying Coffin”?
The MiG-21 earned this nickname due to its high accident rate, which led to several pilot casualties over the decades.
Q3. How many MiG-21 aircraft did India operate in total?
India operated nearly 900 MiG-21s, out of which around 660 were built under license in India.
Q4. When will the MiG-21 retire from the Indian Air Force?
The MiG-21 is set to retire officially on September 26, 2025, after more than 60 years of service.
Q5. What is the most advanced variant of the MiG-21 in India?
The MiG-21 Bison is the final and most advanced variant, upgraded with modern avionics, missiles, and radar systems.
Q6. Which wars did the MiG-21 play a role in?
The MiG-21 played a major role in the 1965, 1971, and Kargil wars, as well as in border patrols with China and counter-terror missions in the 2000s.
Q7. Who is the famous IAF pilot associated with the MiG-21?
Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman became globally famous in 2019 when he shot down a Pakistani F-16 using a MiG-21 Bison.
Q8. What aircraft will replace the MiG-21 in India?
The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A will replace the MiG-21 as India’s frontline light fighter jet.
Q9. How did the MiG-21 contribute to India’s aerospace industry?
Building MiG-21s under license helped India develop its defense manufacturing ecosystem, paving the way for indigenous fighters like Tejas.
Q10. What makes the MiG-21 historically significant for India?
The MiG-21 gave India its first supersonic capability, trained generations of fighter pilots, and served as the backbone of the IAF for six decades.
Pratik Kondawale
Strategist | Indian Defence & Global Affairs
Founder of GeoLens.in, Pratik writes in-depth analysis on India’s defence strategy, military tech, and global power shifts delivering sharp insights through an Indian lens.
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