Rajnath Singh Leads Farewell To MiG-21 Jets
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 26, 2025, led the farewell ceremony for the MiG-21 fighter jets in Chandigarh, marking the official retirement of the aircraft after more than six decades of service with the Indian Air Force.
Final Flypast And Tributes
The event featured a flypast by the last MiG-21s and a traditional water cannon salute. Singh, joined by senior Air Force officials and veteran pilots, paid tribute to the aircraft’s long and storied service. He described the MiG-21 as a “symbol of India’s military courage,” while acknowledging the challenges faced during its operational life.
Role In India’s Defence History
Inducted in the early 1960s, the MiG-21 became India’s first supersonic jet and played pivotal roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the Kargil conflict, and the Balakot operations. Over 700 units were inducted, many later upgraded to keep the fleet relevant.
Singh On Modernisation Push
Speaking at the ceremony, Rajnath Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the Air Force with modern aircraft. He stressed that the retirement of the MiG-21 was not just an end of an era but also a call to accelerate the induction of Tejas fighters and advanced global platforms.
Strategic Importance Ahead
Singh underlined that India cannot afford a capability gap in its skies and that the phase-out of the MiG-21 will be balanced with rapid modernisation. He reiterated the focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing and assured that India’s air dominance will remain uncompromised.
