Archive · 27 Sep 2025
MiG-21 Farewell: India Celebrates Aircraft's Service
India said goodbye to the MiG-21 fighter jets, a key part of its Air Force for over 60 years.
These jets were involved in many important missions, including wars and strikes.
The Defence Minister honored the jets, calling them a symbol of national pride and a link between India and Russia.
The ceremony marked the end of an era, recognizing the aircraft's service and the respect for its role in protecting the country.
The Minister clarified that the aircraft currently in use were 40 years old, with those from the 60s and 70s already out of service.
MiG-21 fighter jets were decommissioned after 62 years of service.
The jets were a key part of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet.
The Defence Minister called the MiG-21 a symbol of national pride.
The aircraft participated in various conflicts, including the 1971 war, Kargil conflict and 2019 Balakot air strikes.
Over 11,500 MiG-21s were built worldwide.
- Who
- Indian Air Force, MiG-21
- What
- Decommissioning of MiG-21 fighter jets
- When
- Recently
- Where
- Chandigarh Air Force Station, India
- Why
- End of operational service after 62 years.
Families of Victims
Indian Air Force & Government
Significance
Families of Victims
Focus on the safety concerns raised by the aircraft's accident record.
Indian Air Force & Government
Celebration of the aircraft's contribution and national pride.
- Event
- MiG-21 Decommissioning Ceremony
- Aircraft Origin
- Russian
- Years of Service
- 62
- First Induction
- 1960s
- Location of Ceremony
- Chandigarh Air Force Station
- Involvement
- 1971 war, Kargil conflict, Balakot air strikes
- Number Built Worldwide
- 11,500+
Sources
"MiG-21 Has Been A Huge Part Of My Life": Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
MiG-21 flies through Indian skies for last time
Mikoyan-Gurevich-21 jets proof of Indo-Russia ties: Rajnath
MiG-21 sets off into the sunset: What happens to military aircraft after they retire?
IAF Retires Iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jet
‘Witness to numerous heroic deeds’: India bids adieu to MiG 21 jets, part of IAF for 60 yrs
Indian Air Force’s MiG-21 fighters retire after 62 years
India bids farewell as MiG-21 retires - Defence Gallery News
From 1971 war to Balakot strikes — Rajnath Singh says MiG-21 enhanced tricolour's honour
Have fond memories of flying MiG-21: Shubhanshu
'1971 War To Kargil Conflict, From Balakot Airstrike To Operation Sindoor': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute To 'National Pride' MiG-21
The MIG-21 takes its final bow today, and with it, our brother Rajan
MiG-21’s Pride Missions: How India’s Supersonic Fighter Shaped Wars From Dhaka To Balakot
'1971 War to Kargil Conflict, From Balakot Airstrike to Op Sindoor': Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute to 'National Pride' MiG-21
‘Bird of all seasons’: MiG-21 proved its mettle in every battle, says Rajnath Singh
MiG-21 roars one last time as IAF bids farewell to iconic fighter jet after six decades
Watch | Mig-21 retires: India’s first supersonic fighter flies one last time, served IAF for 62 years
MiG-21 farewell: IAF’s Legendary Jet That Shaped India’s Air Dominance
WATCH | India retires legendary fighter jet MiG-21 after 63 years, final sortie marks end of an era
'Befitting and dignified ceremony': Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as Indian Air Force decommissioned MiG-21
The controversial MiG-21 which turned Rang De Basanti into a cult classic was just retired
MiG-21 bids farewell: India’s warhorse passes the torch to Tejas
MiG-21 retired after decades of service: Jairam Ramesh recalls Its history
MiG-21 decommissioned | Carried weight of national security on its wings, symbol of deep India-Russia ties: Rajnath Singh
‘For the last time, cleared to land’: Backbone of IAF’s combat fleet, MiG-21 takes final sortie
MiG-21s retd, mother of IAF pilot killed in crash speaks up for ‘all my Abhijits’
DC Edit | Farewell To Veteran Air Warriors
IAF retires MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 years of service with ceremonial flypast - Telegraph India
