The Indian Air Force recently bid a poignant farewell to its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets, formally retiring the aircraft after nearly six decades of illustrious service. Revered as the “workhorse” of India’s air defense, this supersonic jet holds a significant place in the nation’s military history.
The decommissioning was marked by a solemn yet spectacular ceremonial flypast and event held at the IAF base in Chandigarh, honoring the aircraft’s incredible legacy.
For decades, the MiG-21, a single-engine supersonic jet fighter and interceptor, served as the very backbone of the Indian Air Force. Its prominence continued well into the mid-2000s, before the induction of the more advanced Sukhoi Su-30MKIs.
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter. Its maiden squadron, the 28 Squadron stationed at Chandigarh, proudly earned the nickname ‘First Supersonics’. Over its long tenure, India acquired and operated more than 700 MiG-21s of various models, with many being manufactured domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh, who later became the IAF chief in 1981, had the distinction of leading the very first MiG-21 Squadron in Chandigarh back in 1963.
An Indian Air Force MiG-21 aircraft stands proudly before the ‘MiG-21 Operational Flying Culmination Ceremony’ at the Air Force Station in Chandigarh.
The venerable MiG-21 aircraft receives a ceremonial water cannon salute during its emotional retirement ceremony.
At the Yercaud Summer Festival in Tamil Nadu on May 31, 2019, a floral rendition of the MiG-21 was created. This beautiful tribute commemorated the aircraft and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who famously flew it during the Balakot strike, where he successfully downed a Pakistani F-16 fighter in aerial combat before his capture by the Pakistani Army.
A more modern MiG-29K fighter aircraft is seen positioned snugly within the hangar of the maiden indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, showcasing the evolution of naval aviation.
Indian Air Force aircraft engage in impressive aerial maneuvers during rehearsals for the ‘MiG-21 Operational Flying Culmination Ceremony’ at Chandigarh Air Force Station, on September 24, 2025.
Indian Air Force MiG-21 fighter jets perform a flypast during Air Force Day celebrations at Sangam, the sacred confluence of Rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, in Prayagraj, India, on October 8, 2023.
A MiG-21 ‘Bison’ releases spectacular thermal flares while flying in a ‘Vic’ formation during a full dress rehearsal for Air Force Day at Hindon in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, on October 6, 2017.
A naval MiG-29K performs a majestic flypast during the Presidential Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam on February 21, 2022.
Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh is ceremonially pulled in a MiG-21 at the conclusion of his farewell visit to the Air Force Station at Hindon Air Base near New Delhi on April 15, 1969. Notably, the Air Chief completed his MiG solo flight from this very station on his 50th birthday.
A MiG-21 aircraft proudly stands as an exhibit within the UP Sainik School campus in Lucknow, the alma mater of Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey.
Airman technicians meticulously prepare a MiG-21 fighter-bomber for a test flight after a comprehensive overhaul at the Base Repair Depot at Ozhar, Maharashtra, on July 24, 1982. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first MiG-21 to be overhauled entirely by Air Force technicians.
On February 21, 1992, a Squadron Leader briefs the then Defence Minister Sharad Pawar on the cockpit layout of a MiG-23, at a forward air base in the Western Sector, before an operational sortie.
A stunning composite aircraft flypast, featuring one MiG-21, two MiG-27s, two MiG-29s, and two Su-30MKIs, captivated audiences during IRON FIST 2016. This powerful display showcased the might of the Indian Air Force at the Chandhan fire range in Pokran on March 18, 2016.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, alongside Air Marshal Shyam Bihari Prasad Sinha (Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central) and Urban Development Minister Azam Khan, during the installation of a supersonic MiG-21 fighter aircraft at the Janeshwar Mishra Park in Lucknow on January 14, 2016.
A fighter pilot swiftly moves towards a MiG-21 fighter interceptor for a rapid take-off, poised to engage an enemy aircraft during an air defense exercise. (Originally published in The Hindu on October 3, 1981).
These images capture moments from the glorious history of the MiG-21, a true icon of Indian air power, as it concludes its remarkable service.