Published: 25 September 2025The AviationistScience & Technology
Indian Air Force Retires MiG-21 Fighter Jets After 62 Years of Service
The Indian Air Force retired its last MiG-21 Bison fighter jets on September 26, 2025, after 62 years of service, at a ceremony at Chandigarh AFS — the same base where the first six MiG-21s were delivered. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, himself a MiG-21 veteran, flew one of the jets in the farewell flight.
No. 23 Squadron 'The Panthers' and No. 3 Squadron 'The Cobras' will convert to Tejas Mk1A as more are delivered. The MiG-21 served in the 1965, 1971, and 1999 Kargil conflicts. Approximately 850 MiG-21s served with the IAF, according to PIB.
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Q: Discuss the legacy of the MiG-21 in the Indian Air Force and the significance of its retirement on 26 September 2025.
Answer (50 words):
The Indian Air Force retired its last MiG-21 Bison on 26 September 2025 at Chandigarh Air Force Station, ending 62 years of frontline service. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, himself a MiG-21 veteran, flew the farewell sortie. Over 870 inducted; Panthers and Cobras squadrons now convert to Tejas Mk1A.
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CoverageNationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceThe Aviationist
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Linked questionEasy
At which Air Force Station was the farewell ceremony held for the Indian Air Force's MiG-21 fighter jets?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe farewell ceremony was held at Air Force Station Chandigarh on September 26, 2025 -- the same city where the MiG-21 was first inducted in 1963. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Indian Air Force decommission MiG-21 fighter jets?
The **Indian Air Force (IAF)** officially decommissioned its **MiG-21 Bison** fighter jets on **September 26, 2025**, after **62 years of service** since their induction in 1963. A ceremony was held marking the retirement of this iconic aircraft.
How long did MiG-21 serve in the Indian Air Force?
The **MiG-21** served the **Indian Air Force for 62 years**, from its induction in **1963** to decommissioning in **September 2025**. It was one of the longest-serving aircraft in IAF history and participated in several wars including **1965, 1971, and Kargil 1999**.
What replaced the MiG-21 in the Indian Air Force?
The **MiG-21** is being replaced by the indigenously developed **Tejas Mk-1A** light combat aircraft, 97 of which were contracted with **HAL** in September 2025. Tejas represents India's drive for **Atmanirbhar Bharat** in defence manufacturing.
In which wars did MiG-21 fight for India?
The **MiG-21** participated in the **Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971**, the **Kargil War of 1999**, and various other operations. It was the backbone of IAF's tactical air defence for decades before newer platforms entered service.
Where was the MiG-21 retirement ceremony held?
The **MiG-21 decommissioning ceremony** was held on **September 26, 2025**, marking the end of the Soviet-origin supersonic jet's 62-year service in the **Indian Air Force**. The MiG-21 Bison was the last variant to retire.
