By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Final MiG-21 squadrons to be retired
Chandigarh | The Indian Air Force (IAF) will formally retire its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets on Friday, September 26, marking the end of an era in Indian military aviation. The ceremony will see the decommissioning of the final two MiG-21 squadrons — the No. 23 Squadron “Panthers” and the No. 3 Squadron “Cobras.” Together, these units operate approximately 36 aircraft.
The farewell event is scheduled to begin at 11 am at the IAF base in Chandigarh. The ceremony will include official rituals, flypasts, and tributes to the pilots and maintenance personnel who have served with the MiG-21 over decades.
MiG-21’s legacy in the Indian Air Force
The MiG-21, also known as the “Flying Coffin” in its later years due to its high accident rate, has been a mainstay of the IAF for over six decades. First inducted in the early 1960s, the aircraft has seen action in multiple wars and conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars.
Despite its age, the MiG-21 has been praised for its speed, agility, and versatility in air combat. Over the years, the IAF has undertaken several upgrade programmes to extend the life of these aircraft, including the MiG-21 Bison variant, which featured modern avionics, radar systems, and weaponry.
The retirement of the MiG-21 marks a significant shift for the IAF as it transitions to more modern platforms such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Tejas aircraft. Defense experts note that while the MiG-21 has served the nation with distinction, the move is part of a larger effort to enhance combat readiness with advanced technology.
A historic moment for pilots and personnel
IAF officials have described the decommissioning ceremony as “emotional yet historic,” paying homage to the hundreds of pilots who have flown the MiG-21 and the ground crews who maintained it. Several veterans and serving officers are expected to attend the event, sharing stories and memories of their experiences with the aircraft.
The MiG-21’s farewell also symbolizes the evolution of India’s air power, reflecting the IAF’s modernization plans and strategic focus on integrating fifth-generation fighters and network-centric warfare capabilities.
As the MiG-21 squadrons take their final flight, the Indian Air Force honours a legacy of service, valor, and aerial dominance spanning more than six decades. The aircraft may be retiring, but its contribution to India’s defence history will be remembered for generations
