Chandigarh, September 26: The legendary MiG-21 fighter jets, a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over six decades, took to the skies for the final time on Friday, closing a historic chapter in the nation’s military aviation. The decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh, where the aircraft was first inducted, brought together veterans, air chiefs, and aviation enthusiasts to mark the occasion.
Describing the MiG-21 as “a mighty machine and a source of national pride,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the aircraft held a deep emotional connection for India, shaping the country’s confidence in its air power. “MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or a machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties,” Singh noted. He added, “The history of military aviation is incredible. The MiG-21 added many proud moments in our military aviation journey.”
The ceremony saw the presence of former IAF chiefs A.Y. Tipnis, S.P. Tyagi, and B.S. Dhanoa, along with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first man on the International Space Station, and numerous veterans who had flown the aircraft. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh piloted the MiG-21 Bison sortie with the call sign Badal 3, retracing a legacy that began in 1963 when Dilbagh Singh, later IAF chief in 1981, led the first MiG-21 squadron in Chandigarh.
The farewell unfolded with a series of ceremonial displays. Defence Minister Singh arrived to the spectacle of the IAF’s elite skydiving team, Akash Ganga, descending from 8,000 feet. This was followed by a precision flypast of the MiG-21s, accompanied by the air warrior drill team and an aerial salute. Fighter jets soared in formations, with pilots flying three-aircraft Badal formations and four-aircraft Panther formations across the skies one last time. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team further thrilled spectators with their high-speed manoeuvres.
Jets from the 23 Squadron, the backbone of MiG-21 operations, took part in the flypast, receiving a traditional water cannon salute. Jaguar and Tejas aircraft also joined the display, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
After its induction, the IAF procured over 870 MiG-21s, which became the dominant fighter during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. The aircraft also played a key role in the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Despite its celebrated history, the ageing fleet has faced criticism over its safety record, with several crashes earning it the nickname “legacy coffins” in recent years.
The MiG-21 jets concluded operational sorties at Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan’s Bikaner a month before the formal retirement. As part of the symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh also flew solo sorties from Nal on August 18 and 19, retracing decades of service in the skies.
Friday’s decommissioning marked both an end and a tribute — a farewell to a fighter that not only defended India’s airspace but also became an enduring symbol of the nation’s aviation journey.
