Archive · 24 Sep 2025
MiG-21 Fighter Jets to Retire in Chandigarh Ceremony
The Indian Air Force is saying goodbye to the MiG-21 fighter jet after over 60 years of service.
A big ceremony will be held on September 26th at Chandigarh, with special flypasts.
Many important people will be there, including pilots and government leaders.
The MiG-21 has been used in many wars and has flown in many different formations.
One of the pilots flying the final flight will be Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, who followed her father's footsteps.
A commemorative postal stamp will also be released to remember the aircraft.
MiG-21 fighter jets are set to retire on September 26th at Chandigarh Air Force Station.
The retirement ceremony includes a flypast and will be attended by high-ranking officials.
Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, one of the IAF's few women fighter pilots, will participate.
The MiG-21 served the IAF for over six decades, participating in multiple conflicts.
A commemorative postal stamp will be released to mark the MiG-21's retirement.
- Who
- IAF pilots, Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Defence officials
- What
- Retirement ceremony for MiG-21 fighter jets
- When
- September 26
- Where
- Chandigarh Air Force Station
- Why
- To mark the end of the MiG-21's service after six decades
Safety Concerns
Legacy
Fleet Safety
Safety Concerns
The ageing fleet of MiG-21s was involved in multiple crashes over the years, raising safety concerns.
Legacy
The MiG-21 strengthened India's air combat capability and is remembered for its six decades of service and stories of courage.
- Aircraft
- MiG-21
- Retirement Date
- September 26
- Location of Ceremony
- Chandigarh Air Force Station
- Induction Year
- 1963
- Key Participants
- Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Involved Conflicts
- 1965 and 1971 wars, 1999 Kargil conflict, 2019 Balakot airstrikes
Sources
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh To Lead Flypast As Iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jet Retires From Service
MiG-21 Set For Final Flight: IAF Prepares To Bid Farewell To Its First Supersonic Fighter
MiG-21 Bows Out: What Made It The IAF’s Most Celebrated And Controversial Warhorse
IAF Air Chief Marshal A P Singh to fly MiG-21 BISON with call sign Badal 3 in final sortie
Backbone Of Combat Fleet, MiG-21 Fighter Jets Set To Retire From IAF On September 26
Backbone of combat fleet, MiG-21 fighter jets set to retire from IAF on Sep 26
MiG-21 flies into history: IAF bids goodbye to its legendary workhorse
Who is Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, the IAF woman pilot who will fly MiG-21 at send-off ceremony?
