After more than six decades of service, the Indian Air Force’s legendary MiG-21 fighter jet will officially retire on September 19 with a ceremonial farewell at the Chandigarh airbase. The aircraft, currently part of the IAF’s 23 Squadron—nicknamed the Panthers—will be grounded, marking the end of an era in Indian military aviation.
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter and played a crucial role in transforming the IAF’s combat capabilities during the 1960s and 70s. It was a key asset in multiple conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, and the ongoing Operation Sindoor.
While celebrated for its combat history, the MiG-21 also drew criticism in later years due to frequent crashes, earning it the grim nickname “Flying Coffin.” Despite this, it remained a central platform in India’s air defence strategy and shaped generations of fighter pilots.
“No other fighter has been with the Indian Air Force for as long as the MiG-21. It has been a part of nearly every military operation since 1965, including Op Sindoor. For many Indian fighter pilots, this aircraft has been a defining part of their careers. Its retirement will be a deeply emotional moment,” said aviation analyst Angad Singh.
The farewell event will include flypasts, static displays, and tributes from serving and retired officers who have been part of the MiG-21 legacy.
