On September 19 at the Chandigarh The Indian Air Force (IAF) will bid farewell to the legendary MiG-21 fighter jets, retiring the last 36 remaining aircraft from active service. For six decades, the MiG-21 soared across Indian skies, shaping the nation’s air defense narrative with unmatched valor and controversy.
MiG-21: A Story of Glory and Grit
- Introduced in 1963, the MiG-21 became India’s first supersonic fighter jet.
- It played crucial roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars and in operations like Kargil and Balakot.
- However, over 400 crashes and the loss of more than 200 pilots earned it grim nicknames like “Flying Coffin” and “Widow Maker”.
Tejas Mk1A: India’s Indigenous Power Replacing the MiG-21 is the homegrown Tejas Mk1A—an advanced light combat aircraft designed and built in India. Sleek, modern, and technologically superior, Tejas is not just a fighter jet, but a symbol of India’s stride toward self-reliance in defense.
Farewell Ceremony in Chandigarh
- The final MiG-21 squadron “Panthers” will perform one last flight. Top IAF officials, veterans, and pilots who flew the MiG-21 will gather to honor the aircraft. A grand tribute, including a flypast and static displays, will mark the jet’s ceremonial retirement.
- A Legacy That Flies On The MiG-21 wasn’t just a machine—it was a guardian of the skies and a silent witness to decades of bravery. As Tejas Mk1A takes its place, it carries forward not just the mission, but the spirit of every pilot who ever called the MiG-21 home.