The illustrious Indian Air Force fighter jet, MiG-21, has officially retired. A grand farewell ceremony was held on September 26, 2025, at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. The event witnessed the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, along with Army and Navy heads, six former Air Force chiefs, veterans, and their families. This emotional event was a tribute to MiG-21's extraordinary tales of courage.
The ceremony commenced with the arrival of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Following this, the Akash Ganga Parachute Team delivered an exhilarating skydiving show, after which the MiG-21 soared into the skies. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh himself experienced a solo flight in the cloud formation. The Air Warrior Drill Team showcased a spectacular drill presentation.
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Source: aajtak
The flypast by the cloud formation marked the ceremony's beginning. This was followed by a simulated dogfight sequence featuring six Jaguar aircraft attempting to attack the base but were thwarted by MiG-21 defenders, showcasing the combat prowess of the MiG-21.
With the MiG-21 at the center, two LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) joined in the Panther formation, symbolically hinting at replacing the MiG-21. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team painted the sky with vibrant hues. Finally, six MiG-21s received a water cannon salute as the pilots descended and handed over the Form 700 log book to the Air Chief. The event concluded with a special day cover release, commemorating the MiG-21.
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Source: aajtak
Rajnath Singh stated that the legacy of the MiG-21 will forever symbolize India's journey towards self-reliant defense. This aircraft is synonymous with bravery, discipline, and patriotism, inspiring the development of indigenous platforms like LCA-Tejas and the forthcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
This ceremony was an opportunity to honor the combat legacy of the MiG-21. From the 1965 war to Operation Sindoor, this aircraft remained an epitome of national strength. The ceremony associated the dogfight between Jaguars and the MiG-21 with the 2019 Balakot incident, where Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed a Pakistani F-16 with the MiG-21.
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Source: aajtak
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh remarked that the MiG-21 has been a witness to numerous heroic deeds. Its impact isn't limited to a single event or conflict. From the 1971 war to Kargil, the Balakot airstrike to Operation Sindoor, the MiG-21 provided formidable strength to our armed forces.
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 reshaped India's military narrative. It destroyed Pakistani bases in the 1965 conflict, bombed Dhaka's governor's house in the 1971 war, and downed a Pakistani F-16 in 2019. Today's farewell marks the end of an era.
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Source: aajtak
With the retirement of the last two MiG-21 squadrons, the Air Force now maintains 29 fighter squadrons, whereas the requirement is 42. The Air Force will bolster its strength with LCA Tejas MK1A, Tejas MK2, and other platforms ready to fill the void left by the MiG-21. Though its farewell is bittersweet, its story will always endure. This aircraft didn't just soar through the skies; it etched an undying legacy in defense of the nation.
