The fighter jet has been retired after 62 years of service to the South Asian nation’s air force
 |
| A view of the MiG-21 fighter jet which has been retired after 62 years of service. © Twitter / Source: X |
The Indian Air Force (IAF) bid farewell to the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet in a ceremonial event on Friday, marking the end of a 62-year service career.
The MiG-21, which has been a cornerstone of the IAF’s fighter fleet, was originally developed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. The aircraft was introduced to the IAF in 1963, making it India’s first supersonic fighter jet.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended the official decommissioning ceremony, said the aircraft is deeply embedded in the memories and emotions of India.
”Every child in India knows about the MiG-21,” he said. “For all of us, this is not just a fighter jet, but rather a family member with whom we have a deep attachment.”
Singh added that the MiG-21 has “shaped our confidence,” “strengthened our strategy,” and helped India “establish ourselves” on the global stage.
The defense minister called the MiG-21 proof of “deep India-Russia ties.” He added, “for a long time, the MiG-21 has been a witness to numerous heroic deeds. Its contribution has not been limited to a single event or a single war.”
As part of the retirement ceremony, six MiG-21 Bison aircraft, led by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, flew over Chandigarh and a water cannon salute was given to the jets on landing.
The Legacy of a Legend, the #MiG21
— Defence PRO Chennai (@Def_PRO_Chennai) September 22, 2025
Valour, Courage & Precision of #IndianAirForce manifested in MiG-21 for over 62 years
Time has arrived for paying one last tribute to the machine & the brave men behind it
On 26 Sep ’25, Mig-21 will be bid farewell, whose legend will live on pic.twitter.com/FurED3qiEy
Initially purchased from the USSR, MiG-21s were later produced under license by India’s state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Over time, India operated more than 850 MiG-21s, including variants such as the Type 77, Type 96, MiG-21 Bis, and the upgraded MiG-21 Bison. The MiG-21 was admired for its speed, agility, and reliability.
A Tribute to the Legendary MiG-21.
— CISF (@CISFHQrs) September 26, 2025
For over six decades, the fearless MiG-21 Jet ruled the skies, standing tall as a symbol of courage, speed and unmatched valour of the @IAF_MCC. From safeguarding the nation in critical battles to inspiring generations of air warriors, this… pic.twitter.com/etzX5ESxnu
The aircraft has played a key role in Indian military campaigns, including the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan.
Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste. Comments will be reviewed by the WARBOLT administrator.*