The legendary MiG-21 fighter jet, which has been the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over six decades, officially bowed out of service today at a historic decommissioning ceremony held in Chandigarh. The event marked the final operational sortie of the iconic aircraft, bringing to a close one of the most illustrious chapters in India’s military aviation history.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, while addressing the ceremony, hailed the MiG-21 as a timeless symbol of “courage, discipline and patriotism,” stating that its legacy would continue to inspire the development of indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). “The MiG-21 taught us never to fear change but to embrace it with confidence. Today, our defence ecosystem — from research labs and DPSUs to startups and academia — is united in carrying this legacy forward,” he said.
Inducted into the IAF in 1963, the MiG-21 played a pivotal role in shaping India’s aerial warfare capability. More than 11,500 MiG-21s were built globally, with around 850 serving in the IAF — a testament to its enduring popularity, credibility, and versatility. Shri Rajnath Singh described the aircraft as “a bird of all seasons,” excelling as an interceptor, ground-attack platform, frontline air defence jet, and trainer aircraft that shaped generations of fighter pilots.
From bombing the Governor’s House in Dhaka during the 1971 war to playing key roles in the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor, the MiG-21 consistently proved its mettle in multiple theatres of conflict. “In every historic mission, the MiG-21 carried the Tricolour with honour. Its contribution has never been limited to a single event or battle — it has been a pillar of India’s air power for decades,” the Raksha Mantri said.
Shri Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to the air warriors who flew and maintained the aircraft, calling the MiG-21 “more than just a machine — a shield of national defence and a faithful companion of the Armed Forces.” He highlighted how the aircraft continued to evolve over time, with upgraded variants like Trishul, Vikram, Badal, and Bison ensuring it remained a formidable platform well into the 21st century.
Addressing misconceptions about the aircraft’s age, he clarified that while the earliest models were retired decades ago, those in service until now were less than 40 years old — a typical lifespan for fighter jets worldwide. He commended Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for continuously upgrading the aircraft with advanced radars, avionics, and weapon systems, keeping it combat-ready for decades.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that the farewell was more than a military tradition — it was deeply rooted in India’s civilisational ethos. “Our culture teaches us that divinity resides not only in living beings but also in the tools that serve us. Today’s farewell to the MiG-21 is an act of gratitude towards a machine that protected our skies and inspired confidence for over 60 years,” he said, likening the event to the traditional Dussehra rituals of venerating weapons.
Chandigarh — the birthplace of India’s supersonic era with the induction of the MiG-21 into No. 28 Squadron, ‘First Supersonics’ — was a fitting location for the aircraft’s final salute. “History comes full circle today as we bid farewell from the same soil where our supersonic journey began,” he noted.
The decommissioning ceremony featured a series of breathtaking aerial displays, including a skydiving demonstration by Akash Ganga, formation take-offs by MiG-21s, and precision manoeuvres by the Air Warrior Drill Team and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team. A historic joint flypast by a MiG-21 and LCA Tejas symbolised the transition from legacy to indigenous technology.
A ceremonial switch-off of six MiG-21 aircraft marked the end of its operational service, followed by the handing over of the aircraft’s Form-700 document to the Chief of the Air Staff. A commemorative stamp and special day cover were also released on the occasion.
The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Secretary DDR&D & DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat, and senior defence officials. Veterans, engineers, technicians, and ground crew who served with the MiG-21 over its long operational life were also present, reflecting the deep emotional bond the aircraft shared with generations of air warriors.
As the MiG-21 takes its final bow, its legacy continues to shape India’s future in defence innovation. “When the world looks at India tomorrow, it should see a nation that began with the MiG-21 and now leads with next-generation technologies,” Shri Rajnath Singh concluded, marking the end of one glorious era and the dawn of another.
