The Indian Air Force (IAF) bid farewell to its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets on Friday, September 26, 2025, after more than six decades of service. The final two MiG-21 squadrons, No. 23 (Panthers) and No. 3 (Cobras), which together operated approximately 36 jets, were retired during a decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh.

The MiG-21, a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union, was first inducted into the IAF in 1963. Over the years, India procured more than 700 MiG-21s of different variants. The most recent 'Bison' (BIS) variant boasted modern avionics and radar, as well as advanced missiles. The IAF upgraded over 100 MiG-21s to BIS specs beginning in 2006.

The MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter jet to enter service with the IAF. The aircraft played a key role in bolstering India's combat capabilities. It served as the backbone of the IAF and saw action in several conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The aircraft's capabilities were put to the test during the Bangladesh Liberation War, where it played a crucial role in giving the IAF air superiority over vital points and areas. The 1971 war also witnessed the first supersonic air combat in the subcontinent when an Indian MiG-21FL claimed a Pakistani F-104A Starfighter.

Describing the MiG-21 as a mighty machine and a national pride, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there is deep attachment to the aircraft that shaped our confidence. He added that the MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties.

Despite its combat prowess, the MiG-21 has also been plagued by safety concerns. More than 500 MiG-21s have crashed in the last 60 years, killing at least 170 pilots. More than 20 aircraft have crashed since 2010. The aircraft's poor safety record earned it the nickname "flying coffin".

The retirement of the MiG-21 further depletes the IAF's dwindling fighter squadron strength. With the retirement, the IAF is now down to a fighter squadron strength of 29, less than 70% of the Air Force's sanctioned fighter squadron strength of 42. This raises concerns about India's ability to counter potential threats from China and Pakistan.

To address the shortfall in fighter squadrons, India is banking on speeding the introduction of homegrown Tejas light-combat jets and possibly acquiring foreign fighters that would largely be built locally. India also plans to upgrade 84 of its Su-30MKI fighter jets under the Super-30 program.

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is the closest successor to the MiG-21. The LCA program was first conceived in the 1980s. Two orders were placed to procure 40 Tejas Mk1 jets in 2006 and 2010; 38 have been delivered so far.

The final official flights of the aircraft were conducted on August 18 and 19, 2025, from the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, which is the last airbase operating the last two squadrons of the aircraft. The MiG-21 jets made their last operational flights at the Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan's Bikaner, a month ahead of the formal retirement ceremony. As part of the symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal Singh had also flown solo sorties of the MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19.

Following their retirement, many of the jets will be sent to museums across the world. Some reports suggest that a few MiG-21s may be maintained in flying condition to be used as a ceremonial vintage squadron.