Indian Air Force Retires MiG‑21 Jets in September
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its remaining MiG‑21 fighter jets in September 2025, officially drawing the curtain on more than six decades of service. The farewell ceremony is scheduled for 19 September at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. It will be hosted by the No. 23 Panthers Squadron, the last active MiG‑21 unit.
A Fighter That Made History
First inducted in 1963, the MiG‑21 became the backbone of the IAF for several decades. It played key roles in the Indo‑Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, the Kargil conflict in 1999, and more recently in the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. It has also served in current operations like Operation Sindoor. Despite its glory, the aircraft came under scrutiny in later years due to a high number of crashes, earning it the infamous nickname “flying coffin.”
Squadron Strength to Dip Further
With the MiG‑21’s phase-out, the IAF’s squadron strength will drop to 29, far below the sanctioned 42 squadrons required for a full-spectrum air defence posture. However, the force is gradually replenishing capacity through the induction of Tejas Mk1A jets, and more advanced variants are planned over the next few years.
Honouring a Warhorse
The farewell ceremony will include a flypast, static displays, and participation by retired officers and MiG‑21 veterans. The event will mark the symbolic end of an era that shaped the IAF’s identity for more than half a century.
Looking Ahead
The retirement comes as part of the IAF’s broader modernisation strategy. Indigenous fighters like the Tejas Mk2 and upcoming AMCA stealth platform are expected to form the next-generation backbone, as older aircraft such as the MiG‑29 are also set to retire by 2027.
