End of an Era: MiG-21 Jets to Retire After 62 Years in IAF

July 23, 2025 - After serving the Indian Air Force (IAF) for 62 years, the MiG-21 fighter jets are set to be officially decommissioned. A farewell ceremony will be held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station on September 19, after which the aircraft will be retired and replaced by the indigenously built Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets.

The induction of indigenous Tejas jets reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defence.

The MiG-21 was inducted into the IAF in 1964, becoming the first supersonic jet in India — capable of flying faster than the speed of sound. India was the third-largest operator of the MiG-21 after Russia and China.

The MiG-21 was known for its supersonic speed and lightweight design, with a top speed of 2,230 km/hour. The early MiG-21s were manufactured in Russia, but India later acquired the rights and technology to assemble them domestically.

The last remaining MiG-21 aircraft are part of the No. 23 Squadron, also known as the Panthers. Dubbed as "warhorse”, the MiG-21 has played a role in all of India’s major military operations, including the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil War and the 2019 Balakot air strike. Thanks to its agility and small size, it was an effective aircraft in aerial combat.

However, owing to a number of accidents over the years, the MiG-21 came to be referred to as a Flying Coffin and Widow Maker. Temporary bans were placed on their operation after repeated crashes. According to the Ministry of Defence, over 400 MiG-21s have crashed over six decades, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 pilots.

Reasons for Decommissioning

• Outdated Design: The MiG-21 is a jet from the 1950s–60s, and its design no longer meets modern combat and safety standards.
• Maintenance Challenges: Owing to obsolete parts and technology, maintenance has become both difficult and expensive.
• Focus on Modern Jets: The Air Force is now focusing on Rafale, Tejas and Sukhoi aircraft, which feature advanced technology and superior safety.

With Media Inputs