Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Veteran Pilot Seeks Final MiG-21 Flight Before Retirement
Air Commodore Tyagi, a veteran pilot, wants one last flight in the MiG-21 before it's retired.
He has the most hours flying this aircraft, and flew many others during his service.
He even survived a crash in the plane!
He mentions that the aircraft was very important for the Indian Air Force.
He believes that there is often unfair criticism of the MiG-21, which was once a key part of India's air power.
Air Commodore Surendra Singh Tyagi (retd) holds the record for the most flying hours on the MiG-21.
Tyagi desires one last flight in the MiG-21 before its retirement.
He flew various aircraft during his IAF service from 1965 to 1996.
Tyagi survived a MiG-21 crash in 1978, later flying more of the aircraft.
He believes criticism of the MiG-21 is often unwarranted, highlighting the aircraft's importance to the IAF.
- Who
- Air Commodore Surendra Singh Tyagi (retd) and the Indian Air Force.
- What
- Request for one last flight in a MiG-21.
- When
- Imminent, before the MiG-21's retirement.
- Where
- India, including bases like Jamnagar and Pathankot.
- Why
- To honor the MiG-21 and conclude Tyagi's extensive history with the aircraft.
Views on MiG-21 Safety
Counter View
Safety
Views on MiG-21 Safety
MiG-21 has received criticism due to a high accident rate.
Counter View
Veteran pilot says that criticism of the MiG-21 is often unwarranted.
- Pilot
- Air Commodore Surendra Singh Tyagi (retd)
- Total Flying Hours on MiG-21
- 4,306 hours
- Total Sorties
- 6316
- Years of Service
- 1965-1996
- Aircraft Flown
- Vampires, Hunters, Gnat, Ajeet, Jaguar, Canberra, MIG-23, MIG-29, and Mirage
- Crash
- Pathankot, October 1978
