The Indian Air Force officially retires the iconic MiG-21 after 62 years of service, marking the end of an era as Tejas jets take over.
Legendary IAF MiG-21 fighter jets (Photo Credits: IANS)
After 62 years of service, the Indian Air Force will officially retire the iconic MiG-21 on Friday. A grand farewell will mark the end of an era in India’s aviation history.
The fighter jet will be replaced by the Tejas, keeping in mind the demands of modern-day combat. At the retirement ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Air Staff will also pay tribute to the MiG-21 by flying its last mission, an IAF spokesperson told ANI.
Advertisement
“At the retirement ceremony, we are going to fly two formations: the Badal formation and the Panther formation. In the last formation, the LCA Tejas will participate, symbolising its takeover from the MiG-21,” the spokesperson added.
Advertisement
The MiG-21 was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963. It took part in the 1965 war and was fully deployed during the 1971 war.
In its bombing role, one of the most notable operations was the attack on Tejgaon and Kurmitola airfields, Wing Commander Jaideep Singh told ANI. In East Pakistan, most of the operations were carried out from those bases, he added.
The attack on the Governor’s residence by MiG-21 jets was a decisive moment, leading to Pakistan’s surrender with 93,000 POWs.
In 1999, during Operation Safed Sagar in the Kargil conflict, MiG-21s were deployed to destroy Pakistan’s command and control centres at high altitudes.
The aircraft was also used in various international exercises. In 2019, during the Balakot operation, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 while flying a MiG-21. Most recently, the jet was deployed operationally during Operation Sindoor, Singh said.
“It as an emotional moment for everyone, especially the pilots who have flown the MiG-21,” Wing Commander Singh told ANI.
A full-dress rehearsal ahead of the retirement ceremony on September 26 was held on Wednesday at the Chandigarh Air Base. After the rehearsal, Singh described it as an emotional moment for everyone, especially the pilots who have flown the MiG-21.
Speaking about the significance of the aircraft, Group Captain Indraneel Nandi told ANI, “It has had a very rich and powerful history in the Indian Air Force. Not only in operational roles but also in training roles. We all learned fighter flying with this aircraft. It holds a very special place in the hearts of everyone in the Air Force.”
On its replacement, he added, “Tejas was planned as the successor to the MiG-21. Over time, the Tejas itself has been upgraded, keeping in mind the reality of modern-day combat. I am sure it will do a great job while replacing the MiG-21 and carrying its legacy forward.”
The MiG-21s will receive a water cannon salute as the Air Chief presents their Form 700 logbook to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, signaling the end of an era.
The gap will gradually be bridged by the induction of LCA Tejas Mk1 and Mk2, complemented by more Rafales planned for future acquisition.
Advertisement
