The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally retired its last two MiG-21 squadrons in September 2025, ending over six decades of operational service for the Soviet-era fighter jet that first joined the IAF in 1963. The MiG-21 was India's most widely flown jet, having seen action in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the Kargil conflict, and numerous peacetime roles. The retirement reflects India's modernization thrust, with the fleet to be replaced by indigenously developed LCA Tejas Mk1A aircraft, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing vision.
India Retires Last MiG-21 Squadrons; Marks End of Six-Decade IAF Era
AQuick answer
The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally retired its last two MiG-21 squadrons in September 2025, ending over six decades of operational service for the Soviet-era fighter jet that first joined the IAF in 1963. The MiG-21 was India's most widely flown jet, having seen action in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the Kargil conflict, and numerous peacetime roles. The retirement reflects India's modernization thrust, with the fleet to be replaced by indigenously developed LCA Tejas Mk1A aircraft, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing vision.
Key facts
- IAF formally retired its last two MiG-21 squadrons in September 2025.
- This ends over six decades of MiG-21 operational service since its induction in 1963.
- The MiG-21 was India's most widely flown jet, seeing action in the 1965 and 1971 wars.
- Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 in a MiG-21 in 2019.
- The fleet had been nicknamed 'Flying Coffin' due to its high accident rate.
- MiG-21 decommissioning is part of IAF modernisation, alongside LCA Mk1A procurement and other fleet upgrades.
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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 · BothSourceUPSC Current Affairs September 26 2025
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Which indigenously developed aircraft is set to replace the retired MiG-21 fleet in the Indian Air Force?
Explanation · Correct answer B
The article specifies the MiG-21 fleet will be replaced by indigenously developed LCA Tejas Mk1A aircraft, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing vision.
Source: UPSC Current Affairs September 26 2025
Frequently asked questions
When did the MiG-21 first join the Indian Air Force and when was it formally retired?
The MiG-21 first joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1963 as part of India's military modernisation following the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It was formally retired in September 2025, when the IAF decommissioned its last two operational MiG-21 squadrons — ending over six decades of continuous service.
Why was the MiG-21 nicknamed 'Flying Coffin' and what does this reveal about its service history?
The MiG-21 was nicknamed 'Flying Coffin' due to its exceptionally high accident rate over the decades. The IAF lost a significant number of MiG-21 aircraft to technical failures, crashes, and pilot fatalities, particularly as the aircraft aged and spare parts became scarce. Despite this, the jet remained operationally valuable due to its maneuverability, speed, and low cost compared to more modern alternatives.
What role did the MiG-21 play in the 2019 Balakot aftermath and who was the pilot involved?
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flew a MiG-21 Bison in the aerial engagement following India's Balakot airstrikes in February 2019, successfully shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet — a remarkable feat given the MiG-21's age versus the F-16's advanced capabilities. Abhinandan was subsequently captured by Pakistan but returned after diplomatic negotiations. He was later awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry.
Which aircraft are replacing the MiG-21 in the Indian Air Force fleet?
The MiG-21s are being replaced primarily by the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, which is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The IAF has also inducted French-built Rafale jets. This transition reflects India's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign platforms.
What wars did the MiG-21 participate in and what was its strategic contribution to India?
The MiG-21 saw combat action in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War (where it was pivotal in establishing Indian air superiority), and the 1999 Kargil conflict. Over six decades, it provided India with an affordable high-speed interceptor capability at a time when the country was developing its own defence ecosystem, making it a cornerstone of IAF's combat power.
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