Chandigarh: Marking the end of an era, India officially decommissioned the iconic MiG-21 fighter aircraft after over six decades of illustrious service to the Indian Air Force (IAF). At a solemn and symbolic ceremony held at Chandigarh Air Base — the birthplace of India’s supersonic journey — Raksha Mantri Mr. Rajnath Singh led tributes to the MiG-21, calling it a “symbol of courage, discipline and patriotism” that will continue to inspire India’s indigenous aviation programs like LCA Tejas and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The farewell event, attended by top military leadership and veterans, marked the final operational sortie of the MiG-21, which has served the IAF since its induction in 1963.
A Flying Legend: MiG-21’s Role in India’s Air Power Evolution
Highlighting the aircraft’s legendary contributions, Raksha Mantri recalled its decisive roles in the 1971 war, where it struck the Governor’s House in Dhaka, and its participation in key missions such as the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor.
“In every historic mission, the MiG-21 carried the Tricolour with honour. It was a bird of all seasons — an interceptor, a ground attacker, a frontline defender, and a pilot trainer,” he said.
Over 11,500 MiG-21s were produced worldwide, and nearly 850 served with the IAF, showcasing its global appeal and reliability. Its variants in India — Trishul, Vikram, Badal, and Bison — were continuously upgraded, transforming a 1950s-era fighter into a 21st-century combat-ready platform.
Read also: Forward Policy in 1962 Was Flawed, Air Power Was Missed Opportunity: CDS Gen Chauhan
A Legacy Passed On to Tejas and AMCA
Emphasizing the symbolism of the moment, Mr. Rajnath Singh stated:
“The MiG-21 taught us never to fear change, but to embrace it with confidence. Today, India’s defence ecosystem — from HAL and DRDO to startups and academia — is united to take this legacy forward with LCA Tejas and AMCA.”
The event featured a powerful joint flypast of MiG-21 and LCA Tejas, representing India’s aviation transition from foreign dependence to indigenous strength under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Ceremony Highlights: Tradition Meets Technology
The decommissioning ceremony included:
- A spectacular flypast led by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
- Akash Ganga skydiving, MiG-21 formations, Surya Kiran aerobatics, and ceremonial drills
- A symbolic switch-off of six MiG-21 aircraft
- Handing over of Form-700 documents to the Air Chief
- Release of a commemorative stamp and special day cover
- A visit to the “Memory Lane” museum
- Interaction with veterans and air warriors over a traditional Bara Khana
Honouring the Machine and the Men
Paying tribute to the IAF personnel who served with the MiG-21, Raksha Mantri remarked:
“The aircraft is more than a machine. It’s a faithful companion, a shield of defence, and a symbol of India’s rise in military aviation.”
He also addressed misconceptions around the aircraft’s age, clarifying that most of the retiring MiG-21s were within the global standard lifespan of 40 years, with regular upgrades by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) ensuring battle-readiness.
Drawing from Indian tradition, the Defence Minister likened the ceremony to the Dussehra ritual of honouring weapons, saying:
“Just as we revere tools that empower us, today’s farewell is an act of gratitude toward a machine that guarded our skies for over 60 years.”
Presence of Top Defence Leadership
The event witnessed the participation of:
- General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff
- Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff
- General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff
- Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff
- Dr Samir V Kamat, DRDO Chairman
- Senior officers, HAL engineers, MiG-21 veterans, technicians, and air warriors
End of an Era, Beginning of a New Chapter
As India retires one of its most iconic aircraft, the legacy of the MiG-21 will live on — not just in military history books, but in the DNA of India’s modern air power. From MiG to Tejas to AMCA, India’s defence aviation journey is entering a new era of self-reliance, innovation, and strategic strength.
Read also: Operation Sindoor Hero Gen Anil Chauhan Gets CDS Tenure Extended Till May 2026
