US EditionLegendary MiG-21 Retires: Indian Air Force to Hold Decommissioning Flypast in Chandigarh on September 26
The MiG-21, which made up two-thirds of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet at its peak, is retired after 60 years marked by extensive use and a high accident rate, officials said.
- The Indian Air Force will retire its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets with a decommissioning ceremony and flypast on September 26 in Chandigarh.
- The phase-out follows six decades of MiG-21 service marked by critical roles in past wars and growing safety and fleet strength concerns.
- The farewell event will feature six MiG-21 jets from the 23rd 'Panthers' Squadron, led by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Squadron Leader Priya Sharma.
- The IAF described the MiG-21 as a 'warhorse that carried pride of a nation' despite a troubled safety record and declining squadron strength now at 29.
- The retirement underscores India's urgent need for new fighters like the Tejas Mark-1A and future AMCA, as existing strength falls short amidst evolving regional threats.
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The story of the MiG-21 isn't just one of accidents, but a long saga of valor and victory. Built in the Soviet Union in the 1950s, this fast supersonic jet defeated its enemies in the Vietnam, Six-Day, and Yom Kippur Wars. In service with India since 1963, it shot down Pakistani aircraft in the 1971 war. After 60 years, it is retiring on September 26, 2025.
MiGs-21s retire, Tejas still a deal: Why India desperately needs more fighter jets
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bid goodbye to the iconic Soviet-origin Mikoyan-Gurevich-21 (MiG-21s) fighter planes that have been in service for six decades. While few would argue against this development, given their recent safety record, this also leaves India’s squadron strength severely depleted. Here’s why India needs many more fighter jets
Who Is Squadron Leader Priya Sharma? Pilot Of Historic Flypast Marking The IAF`s MiG-21 Retirement
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is retiring the iconic MiG-21 fighter aircraft on September 26, closing the curtain on a glorious chapter that has lasted more than six decades. The grand farewell and decommissioning ceremony will take place at Chandigarh Air Force Station, the same platform on which ...
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