MiG-21 to be retired after 62 years in service with grand farewell ceremony today
Indian Air Force To Retire MiG-21 Fighter Jet After 62 Years Of Service: After serving the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over six decades, the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet will be officially retired today from its first home base at the Chandigarh Air Force Station.
The MiG-21, often called a “game-changer” in wars, also earned darker nicknames like “flying coffin” and “widowmaker” due to its involvement in multiple accidents over the years.
Historic Role in India’s Defense
The MiG-21 was first inducted into the IAF in 1963. Since then, it played a key role in several major operations:
- 1965 Indo-Pak War – First combat use.
- 1971 India-Pakistan War – Became a turning point in aerial warfare.
- 1999 Kargil Conflict (Operation Safed Sagar) – Showed strong performance in high-altitude combat.
- 2019 Balakot Air Strikes – MiG-21 Bison flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman engaged enemy jets after India struck terrorist camps in Pakistan.
Even in Operation Sindoor (2015), the MiG-21 remained on high alert and carried out combat reconnaissance missions.
A Legend with a Dark Side
Despite its glorious legacy, the MiG-21 has also been criticized for its aging design and accident-prone nature:
- Over 490 MiG-21 crashes have occurred in India.
- More than 200 pilots lost their lives in these accidents.
- Causes included technical issues, bird strikes, runway failures, and poor visibility at high speeds.
Originally supplied by Russia with a planned life of 40 years, Indian engineers upgraded the aircraft over time. These upgrades extended its service to 62 years, making it one of the longest-serving jets in IAF history.
A Final Salute
As the MiG-21 is retired today, it leaves behind a mixed legacy — of bravery, victories, and sacrifice. A senior Air Force official remarked that despite its flaws, the MiG-21 earned its place in Indian military history. Its farewell marks the end of an era for the Indian Air Force and a new chapter in modernizing India’s air defense fleet.
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