MiG-21 Fighter Jets Complete Historic Final Flight After Six Decades of Service in Indian Air Force

MiG-21 jets from Number 23 Squadron participated in the final flypast ceremony marking their retirement from the Indian Air Force.

The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets completed their final flight through Indian skies on Friday, concluding more than six decades of distinguished service as the backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet.

Under brilliant blue, cloudless skies, the elaborate farewell ceremony honored the Russian-origin warhorses that joined the IAF in the 1960s.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commemorated the occasion by describing the MiG-21 as "a mighty machine and a national pride" that shaped India's military confidence over generations.

"The MiG-21 represents more than just an aircraft or machine—it stands as evidence of the deep diplomatic ties between India and Russia," the minister remarked during the ceremony.

Singh highlighted the aircraft's historical significance, stating, "The MiG-21 has added numerous proud moments to our military aviation journey."

The minister noted the MiG-21's unparalleled production numbers in global military aviation history, with over 11,500 aircraft manufactured worldwide, of which 850 served in the Indian Air Force.

"These impressive numbers testify to the aircraft's popularity, credibility, and versatile capabilities," Singh emphasized, adding that its contributions extended across multiple conflicts rather than being limited to a single incident or war.

Singh specifically acknowledged the fighter jet's crucial role during the 1971 war with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot air strikes.

The decommissioning event drew distinguished attendees including former IAF chiefs A.Y. Tipnis, S.P. Tyagi, and B.S. Dhanoa, along with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's first astronaut on the International Space Station, and numerous veterans who had piloted the legendary aircraft.

Current Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew the MiG-21 Bison aircraft with call sign Badal 3 during the ceremony. Notably, Dilbagh Singh, who became IAF chief in 1981, had led the first MiG-21 Squadron at this same location back in 1963.

The ceremonial flypast marked the official conclusion of MiG-21 operations, closing a historic chapter in India's air power development.

India's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft were formally retired in Chandigarh, the same location where they were initially inducted decades ago.

The ceremony commenced with Defence Minister Singh's arrival as chief guest, followed by a spectacular demonstration by the IAF's elite "Akash Ganga" skydiving team, who descended from 8,000 feet.

A majestic flypast of MiG-21 aircraft accompanied by the Air Warrior drill team provided an aerial salute to the retiring fleet.

Fighter pilots conducted their final flights in the three-aircraft Badal formation and the four-aircraft Panther formation, roaring through the skies one last time.

The Surya Kiran aerobatic team captivated the audience with breathtaking aerial maneuvers during the event.

MiG-21 jets from Number 23 Squadron participated in the flypast ceremony and received the traditional water cannon salute, symbolizing their honorable retirement.

Jaguar and Tejas aircraft also took part in the ceremony. The indigenous Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter designed to operate in high-threat environments and capable of performing air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions.

Since their first induction, the IAF acquired over 870 MiG-21 aircraft to enhance its combat capabilities.

The aircraft has experienced safety challenges throughout its service life, being involved in multiple crashes over six decades. The aging fleet earned the unfortunate nickname "flying coffins" in some circles.

The MiG-21 jets conducted their final operational flights at Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan's Bikaner one month before this formal retirement ceremony.

As part of the symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal Singh had previously flown solo sorties in the MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19.