The First Batch of 13 MiG-21 Jets Were Inducted Into The Indian Air Force In 1963

Advertisment

September 26, 2025 marks the end of an era as the Indian Air Force bids adieu to its invincible fighter jet, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 in a grand farewell ceremony in Chandigarh. After six decades of continuous service, from fighting wars to training new generations, the Soviet-era fighter jet receives a solemn yet joyful salute from the Indian Army on its last day of service.

It was 1963, when the first MiG-21 was inducted with a batch of 13 jets into the Air Force, for a high-altitude interceptor to counter spy planes, inspired by the United States' U-2.

The MiG-21 Farewell Ceremony

At 12.05 pm, six Bison variants, led by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh (call sign 'Badal 3') soared above Chandigarh one last time. And a water cannon salute honoured the jets on landing.

Advertisment

Among the pilots accompanying 'Badal 3' was Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, India's seventh woman fighter pilot, who also flew the MiG-21 in formation with the Air Chief from Rajasthan's Bikaner, since this plane deserves more than one farewell.

(Courtesy: X/@PTI_News)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several high-ranking officers were also present during the ceremony.

Advertisment

Describing the MiG-21 as a mighty machine and a national pride, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties. The history of military aviation is incredible. The MiG 21 added many proud moments in our military aviation journey.”

Enduring Legacy of MiG-21

The Soviet-era fighter jet - considered as the hero of four armed conflicts with Pakistan, has both defended the nation and trained generations. Regarded as the "backbone of the IAF," the MiG-21 shot down multiple generations of enemy fighters, from F-104s in 1971 to the F-16 in 2019.

The Reason Behind Retirement

The farewell of the MiG-21 comes after various crashes involving the aging plane in recent years. In May 2023, three villagers were killed when it crashed near Bahlol Nagar in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh after a 'technical snag', after taking off from the Suratgarh Air Force base for a routine exercise.

Advertisment

The IAF grounded the entire MiG-21 fleet after that accident.

MiG-21 Memories From IAF Personnels

Wing Commander Rajiv Battish (Retd.) said, “MiG-21 has a very long story and the fact that so many people have gathered here is the fact that we are all attached to this aeroplane... As far as India is concerned, the maximum number of aeroplanes flown on a fighter type is the MiG-21,”

He added, "Very potent aeroplane, and mostly the Eastern Bloc countries flew it. It was an enigma for the Western field... As far as flying was concerned, MiG-29 was a beautiful machine, and the testimony is so many people have descended from all over the country abroad to see the last light and say goodbye."

Group Captain Malik (Retd.) reminisced about the legend that etched a significant place in India's defence history. Recalling the times he operated MiG-21, Malik said, “I have flown all three versions of MiG-21s for almost 24 years... It was my life, and now it is going to be a part of my life. It's a mixed feeling... Each moment is emotional when we are bidding farewell to this aircraft, and I swear there is nothing better than this aircraft.”

Advertisment

Despite transitioning to a new generation of modern jets including the Russian Sukhoi Su-37 and France's Rafale, MiG-21's empowering role can never be understated. Above all, it’s the most battle-tested jet in IAF history.