The Indian Air Force (IAF) will say goodbye to its legendary MiG-21 fighter jet on September 26, 2025. A special air show will take place at the Chandigarh Air Force Station from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. This will mark the official end of the MiG-21’s long service in India.
The MiG-21 joined the IAF in 1963. For over 60 years, it was an important part of India’s air power. The jet played a key role in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil War, the 2019 Balakot strikes, and Operation Sindoor.
Safety Measures for the Event
Ahead of the farewell ceremony, the Station Aerospace Safety and Inspection Officer informed Punjab and district officials about security steps. The District Magistrate of Mohali has issued orders to prevent garbage dumping and to stop meat shops from operating near the base. These measures will ensure safe flying conditions for the air show.
The MiG-21’s Legacy
The MiG-21 was designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It became one of the most popular supersonic jets in the world and was used by nearly 60 countries.
India became the largest operator, with more than 870 jets inducted since 1963. The aircraft went through several upgrades, the last being the MiG-21 Bison, which is now being retired.
However, the jet also faced criticism. It was often called the “flying coffin” because of frequent accidents. More than 400 crashes over the decades caused the loss of many pilots, raising questions about its safety.
Delay in Replacement with Tejas
The MiG-21’s retirement was delayed many times because of slow progress in producing the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A jets. To fill the gap, the IAF kept extending the MiG-21’s service life.
Currently, the IAF has two squadrons of MiG-21 Bison, with a total of 31 aircraft. Once they retire, the IAF’s strength will drop to 29 squadrons—its lowest since the 1960s. This is far less than the approved strength of 42 squadrons, raising concerns about defense capacity.
A Proud Farewell
Even with its flaws, the MiG-21 is remembered with pride. It won important battles and stood as a symbol of India’s air strength for decades.
On September 26, the air show in Chandigarh will not just mark the end of an era but also pay tribute to the jet’s historic role in defending the nation.
