The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to retire its last remaining squadrons of the MiG-21 fighter jets by September 2025, marking the end of an iconic chapter in India's military aviation history. According to multiple media reports, the final phasing out of the Russian-origin aircraft will take place later this year, with the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A aircraft stepping in to fulfill the role.

The MiG-21, widely regarded as the backbone of the Indian Air Force for a significant part of the 20th century, first entered service in 1963. Over the decades, it has played a vital role in maintaining India’s air superiority, particularly during the India-Pakistan wars, where its performance and speed earned it both fear and respect from adversaries.

Sharp Decline in Fleet Numbers

From a time when nearly 900 MiG-21s graced Indian skies—660 of which were indigenously manufactured—the current operational count has plummeted to just 36 aircraft. These aircraft have served in multiple squadrons across different regions of India, offering speed, precision, and reliability.

The steep reduction is attributed not only to age but also to several high-profile crashes and growing concerns about airworthiness and pilot safety. Over the years, these concerns pushed the IAF and Ministry of Defence to expedite plans for their decommissioning.

Symbolic Final Flight in 2023

In October 2023, the MiG-21 aircraft attached to the No. 4 Squadron took to the skies for one last operational sortie over Barmer in Rajasthan. This event served as a symbolic farewell as the aircraft relinquished its role to the more advanced and modern Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters.

This ceremonial flypast was seen as a tribute not only to the aircraft itself but also to the numerous pilots who flew and maintained these machines over the decades.

The First Supersonic Jet in Indian Skies

The MiG-21 holds a special place in India's aviation legacy as the first supersonic fighter aircraft inducted into the IAF. It represented a quantum leap in aerial combat capabilities during its time, with its ability to fly at over twice the speed of sound, unmatched agility, and superior maneuverability.

It was also a significant part of India's indigenous aviation manufacturing journey, with the government signing a licensing agreement in the 1960s to build the aircraft domestically at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Role in Key Military Conflicts

Throughout its six-decade service, the MiG-21 played a significant role in all of India's military conflicts, particularly during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani wars. During the 1971 war, MiG-21s executed strategic strikes on enemy bases and provided air support to ground troops.

Its performance in combat cemented its place in the IAF's legacy and earned accolades globally, including from defence strategists who viewed it as a highly cost-effective platform.

MiG-21: A Mixed Legacy

Despite its stellar history, the MiG-21’s long service record has been marred by a high accident rate. Over 400 crashes have been reported involving MiG-21 aircraft since its induction, leading to the unfortunate deaths of many IAF pilots.

This track record prompted widespread criticism and nicknames like the “Flying Coffin” and “Widow Maker,” highlighting the urgency for its replacement. The government and military leadership gradually began grounding various squadrons, replacing them with safer and technologically advanced alternatives.

The Rise of Tejas Mk1A

In place of the MiG-21, the IAF is now inducting the Tejas Mk1A, an indigenous multirole fighter aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Tejas is designed to meet the needs of modern warfare, boasting improved avionics, radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and reduced radar signature.

The Tejas Mk1A not only enhances the IAF’s combat edge but also reflects India’s commitment towards self-reliance in defence production, aligning with the larger “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. Its deployment signals a shift in India’s defence strategy—moving from foreign-dependency to indigenous innovation and production.

Strategic Implications

The retirement of the MiG-21 also carries strategic implications for India’s future aerial defence doctrine. With geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the IAF's focus is shifting towards fifth-generation technologies, stealth capabilities, network-centric warfare, and interoperability with allied forces.

The replacement of ageing fleets with modern platforms like the Tejas Mk1A, Rafale, and upcoming AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) ensures India’s preparedness for both conventional and asymmetric threats.

Tributes to an Icon

While its time has come to an end, the legacy of the MiG-21 will continue to live on. Veterans and current officers of the Indian Air Force have lauded the aircraft for its speed, resilience, and combat performance. Plans are underway to preserve some MiG-21s in museums and air bases as a tribute to their service.

Retired Air Marshal and defence analysts have also suggested incorporating retired MiG-21 units into aerospace engineering institutes for education and simulation training purposes.

Conclusion

The retirement of the MiG-21 in September 2025 marks the end of an era for the Indian Air Force. From being India’s first supersonic jet to playing a pivotal role in wars and protecting Indian airspace for over 60 years, the MiG-21 leaves behind a rich legacy of strength, resilience, and evolution.

As India moves towards a new generation of air power, the baton passes to the indigenous Tejas Mk1A, ensuring that while the past is honoured, the future remains secure.

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