Farewell to the MiG-21: End of an Era in Indian Air Power

Context

On 27 September 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally decommissioned its last MiG-21 squadron at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, bringing to an end over six decades of service of one of the most iconic fighter aircraft in India’s military history.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the MiG-21 a “testament to Indo-Russian ties” and an aircraft that will be remembered in “golden letters” in India’s aviation history.

Highlights of the Ceremony

• Final Sortie: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew the last sortie of the MiG-21 Bison with the call sign Badal 3.

• Ceremonial Switch-Off: Six MiG-21s were switched off in front of dignitaries.

• Handover: Aircraft document Form-700 was formally handed to the Chief of the Air Staff.

• Participation: Former IAF chiefs, veterans, pilots, engineers, and ground staff attended.

• Air Display: The Surya Kiran aerobatic team, along with Tejas and Jaguar fighters, performed at the farewell.

MiG-21 in India’s Defence History

• Induction: Entered IAF in the 1960s, forming the backbone of India’s jet fleet.

• Combat Legacy:

  • 1971 War: Proved decisive in dogfights against Pakistan.

  • Kargil Conflict (1999): Carried out ground attack missions.

  • Balakot Strike (2019): Played a role in post-attack aerial operations.

  • Operation Sindoor: Participated in critical missions.

• Nickname: Often called the “flying coffin” due to frequent accidents in later years, but respected for its role in India’s military aviation growth.

Strategic Significance of Decommissioning

• With MiG-21 retirement, IAF’s operational squadron strength has fallen to 29, the lowest since the 1960s.

• This raises concerns about India’s ability to handle a potential two-front challenge (China and Pakistan).

Future of India’s Air Power

• Defence Minister stressed that MiG-21’s “DNA” must inspire India’s indigenous platforms.

• LCA-Tejas: Already inducted and in service, seen as a replacement and next step.

• AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft): India’s upcoming indigenous 5th-generation fighter project, critical for future preparedness.

• Push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

India-Russia Defence Ties

• The MiG-21 symbolized the strong Indo-Russian defence partnership, with licensed production in India (HAL).

• Its retirement marks both an end of an era and a shift towards indigenous capability-building.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper II (IR): India-Russia defence cooperation.

• GS Paper III (Security): Modernisation of armed forces, indigenisation, and challenges of declining squadron strength.

• Essay/Interview: “From MiG-21 to AMCA: The journey of India’s fighter aviation.”

Practice Questions

Mains:

1. Evaluate the role of MiG-21 in shaping India’s air combat capabilities since the 1960s.

2. With the retirement of MiG-21, discuss the challenges and opportunities for India’s defence indigenisation.

Prelims Pointers:

• MiG-21 inducted: 1960s.

• Nickname: Panthers (No. 23 Squadron).

• India’s upcoming indigenous fighter: AMCA.

• Current squadron strength: 29.