US EditionIndia retires MiG-21 fighters after six decades as air force stretches to improve fleet
- On September 26, 2025, the Indian Air Force officially retired its Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 aircraft fleet during a decommissioning event held in Chandigarh, marking the end of more than six decades of service.
- This retirement marks the end of nearly six decades of service for the MiG-21s, which were a central component of the Indian Air Force and have been steadily replaced by Tejas aircraft since their introduction in 2016.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the MiG-21's role in major conflicts such as the 1971, 1999, and 2019 clashes with Pakistan and praised its enduring legacy and strategic importance.
- Over 850 MiG-21 jets were operated by the IAF, but more than 400 crashes resulted in the deaths of 170 pilots and 39 civilians, largely caused by issues stemming from the aircraft's aging condition.
- The ceremonial farewell marked the end of an era and symbolized India’s deep ties with Russia and its evolving air defense strategy through adopting newer aircraft like the Tejas Mk1A.
80 Articles
80 Articles
MiG-21 farewell: What is Form 700 and why it is important for an aircraft
The iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, the fighter aircraft that served the Indian Air Force (IAF) for more than 60 years, was decommissioned on Friday. The Russian-origin warhorse. which was inducted in the 1960s, was decommissioned at a mega farewell at the Air Force Station in Chandigarh in presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. Rajnath termed the MiG-21 a 'national pride', saying the aircra…
“Flying Coffin” Retired: India Phases Out Last Soviet-Era MiG-21s After Decades of Fatal Crashes
India has officially withdrawn the last of its MiG-21 fighter jets from service, ending more than sixty years of operational use of the Soviet-designed aircraft. The final squadron, known as the “Sword Arms,” based in Suratgarh, Rajasthan, was decommissioned this week, according to a statement from the Indian Air Force (IAF). The MiG-21, often referred to in Indian media as the “flying coffin” due to its safety record, first entered IAF service …
Tioga Publishing
India retires Soviet fighter jet after six decades
India's Russian-built MiG-21s flew for the final time Friday, marking the end of an era for the country's first supersonic fighter jet -- lauded for its valour but tarnished by a legacy of some 400 crashes.
India's pride, the MiG-21 fighter jet, flew its final flight today. After serving the nation for 62 years, the fighter jet was given an emotional farewell at Chandigarh Air Base. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh personally led the MiG-21's final flypast. The MiG-21 has witnessed many heroic feats.
India retires MiG-21 'flying coffin' Soviet fighter jet after six decades
NEW DELHI: India retired its last fleet of Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter jets on Friday (Sep 26), ending more than six decades of service with an aircraft once celebrated for its combat prowess but later derided as a “flying coffin” due to frequent crashes.The phaseout underscores the urgency for the Indian a
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