The Indian Air Force’s iconic MiG-21 fleet flew for the last time today as it was formally retired in a decommissioning ceremony at Chandigarh Air Base, closing a remarkable chapter in India’s military aviation history.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the event, alongside Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has been a cornerstone of India’s air power for six decades. The first squadron, 28 Squadron, raised in Chandigarh, earned the nickname ‘First Supersonics’ as India’s first supersonic fighter jet. Over the years, the MiG-21 has seen action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it played a pivotal role in strikes such as the attack on the Governor’s residence in Dhaka, contributing to Pakistan’s eventual surrender.
Also Read: MiG-21’s final flight may put private defence firms on frontline amid HAL’s drag
The aircraft has trained generations of fighter pilots and has proven its combat capabilities across decades, taking on enemy aircraft from F-104s in the 1970s to F-16s as recently as 2019. Fielded even during the Kargil conflict, it earned the reputation of being the “backbone of the IAF.”
Ahead of today’s ceremony, a full-dress rehearsal at Chandigarh Air Base saw the MiG-21 perform aerobatic feats in Badal and Panther formations, intercepting a Jaguar midair. The rehearsal also featured the Air Warriors Drill, a display by the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, and para-landings by the Akash Ganga team, concluding with a ceremonial water-cannon salute.
Defence Minister Singh, speaking at the ceremony, noted that the MiG-21 leaves behind a legacy of unmatched service and will be remembered as India transitions to a new generation of fighter jets.
The retirement of the MiG-21 marks the end of an era for the Indian Air Force, but its contributions to national defence and its role in shaping India’s fighter pilot cadre remain unparalleled.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the event, alongside Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
#WATCH | Chandigarh | The decommissioning ceremony of the Indian Air Force's MIG-21 fighter aircraft fleet is underway.
— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025
MiG-21s were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, and will be decommissioned today after 63 years of service. pic.twitter.com/AOnNNwhFek
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has been a cornerstone of India’s air power for six decades. The first squadron, 28 Squadron, raised in Chandigarh, earned the nickname ‘First Supersonics’ as India’s first supersonic fighter jet. Over the years, the MiG-21 has seen action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it played a pivotal role in strikes such as the attack on the Governor’s residence in Dhaka, contributing to Pakistan’s eventual surrender.
Also Read: MiG-21’s final flight may put private defence firms on frontline amid HAL’s drag
The aircraft has trained generations of fighter pilots and has proven its combat capabilities across decades, taking on enemy aircraft from F-104s in the 1970s to F-16s as recently as 2019. Fielded even during the Kargil conflict, it earned the reputation of being the “backbone of the IAF.”
Ahead of today’s ceremony, a full-dress rehearsal at Chandigarh Air Base saw the MiG-21 perform aerobatic feats in Badal and Panther formations, intercepting a Jaguar midair. The rehearsal also featured the Air Warriors Drill, a display by the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, and para-landings by the Akash Ganga team, concluding with a ceremonial water-cannon salute.
Defence Minister Singh, speaking at the ceremony, noted that the MiG-21 leaves behind a legacy of unmatched service and will be remembered as India transitions to a new generation of fighter jets.
The retirement of the MiG-21 marks the end of an era for the Indian Air Force, but its contributions to national defence and its role in shaping India’s fighter pilot cadre remain unparalleled.
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