Published: 7 October 2025India TV NewsDefence Security
India Celebrates 93rd Air Force Day; MiG-21 Retirement Marked After Six Decades of Service
India celebrated the 93rd Indian Air Force Day on October 8, 2025, at Hindon Air Base. The celebrations marked the IAF's contribution to Operation Sindoor and the formal retirement of the MiG-21, India's longest-serving fighter jet, after over 60 years of service (formally decommissioned September 26, 2025).
A grand flypast featured Rafale, Su-30MKI, C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules, Apache Guardian, and Netra AEW&C. A retired MiG-21 Bison was displayed in the static exhibition. The MiG-21 had flown over 200,000 sorties and claimed iconic victories in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Select airframes will be preserved at the National War Memorial.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the significance of the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations and the retirement of the MiG-21 fighter after six decades of service.
Answer (50 words):
India marked the 93rd Indian Air Force Day on 8 October 2025 at Hindon Air Base, formally retiring the MiG-21 (decommissioned 26 September 2025) after sixty-plus years and 2,00,000 sorties including 1971 war victories; a flypast featured Rafale, Su-30MKI, C-17, C-130J, Apache and Netra, honouring Operation Sindoor contributions.
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Linked questionEasy
Which fighter jet was formally retired by the Indian Air Force in 2025 after over 60 years of service?
Explanation · Correct answer AThe MiG-21, India's longest-serving fighter jet, was formally decommissioned on September 26, 2025, after over 60 years of service. Its retirement was marked on the 93rd Air Force Day, October 8.
Frequently asked questions
Where did India celebrate the 93rd Indian Air Force Day in 2025?
India celebrated the 93rd Indian Air Force Day on October 8, 2025, at Hindon Air Base. The celebrations marked the IAF's contribution to Operation Sindoor and the formal retirement of the MiG-21.
Why was the MiG-21 retirement significant in the Air Force Day celebrations?
The MiG-21 was India's longest-serving fighter jet and retired after over 60 years of service. It was formally decommissioned on September 26, 2025.
Which aircraft were part of the flypast and static exhibition?
The flypast featured Rafale, Su-30MKI, C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules, Apache Guardian, and Netra AEW&C. A retired MiG-21 Bison was displayed in the static exhibition.
What service record of the MiG-21 was mentioned?
The MiG-21 had flown over 200,000 sorties and claimed iconic victories in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Select airframes will be preserved at the National War Memorial.
