The Indian Air Force decommissioned its iconic MiG-21 after six decades of service. Introduced in 1963, the fighter jet shaped India’s air power, fought in the 1971 and Kargil wars, and trained generations of pilots. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the historic farewell ceremony in Chandigarh
Indian Air Force MIG-21 Bison fighter jet performs a flypast during rehearsal ahead of its farewell at Chandigarh Airforce Station. Pic/AFP
As the Indian Air Force bids adieu to its iconic MiG-21 aircraft on Friday, veteran pilots of the Indian Air Force reminisced about the legend that trained generations and defended the nation.
As reported by news agency ANI, ahead of the decommissioning of the MiG-21 fighter aircraft fleet in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Indian Air Force Group Captain Malik (Retd.) said that bidding farewell to the aircraft was an emotional moment since it had been a part of his life.
Speaking to the media at Chandigarh on Friday, Malik said that in the three versions of the MIG-21s that he had flown, there was nothing better than the country's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft.
He asserted that "I have flown all three versions of MiG-21s for almost 24 years... It was my life, and now it is going to be a part of my life. It's a mixed feeling... Each moment is emotional when we are bidding farewell to this aircraft, and I swear there is nothing better than this aircraft…” as cited by news agency ANI.
Moreover, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, while posting on the social media platform X, wrote that he would attend the decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh.
We shall remember you, #MiG21! A legendary icon of the Indian Air Force, this fearless warrior has etched its valour across generations. As its final sortie marks the close of a historic era, the #IAF celebrates its legacy with pride and ushers in a bold new chapter of innovation… pic.twitter.com/kp4WUy3aeo
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 26, 2025
His post on X said, "Today, 26th September, I shall be in Chandigarh. Shall attend the decommissioning ceremony of the IAF's MiG-21. Looking forward to it." After serving for six decades, the iconic MiG-21 is going to retire today. "
The aircraft leaves behind a record of unmatched service and a legacy that will be remembered as India transitions to a new generation of fighter jets.
The legendary MiG-21 was introduced in 1963 and has been serving the Indian Air Force for nearly six decades. This fighter jet has been a cornerstone of India's air power. The first squadron, the 28 Squadron, raised in Chandigarh, was nicknamed 'First Supersonics' as India's first supersonic fighter.
Furthermore, the MiG-21 aircraft saw extensive action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it proved its combat effectiveness.
Over the decades, the iconic fighter jet has trained generations of fighter pilots, many of whom recall it as both challenging and rewarding to master.
In the 1971 war, MiG-21s struck the governor's residence in Dhaka, leading to Pakistan's surrender. The aircraft has shot down multiple generations of enemy fighters, from F-104s in 1971 to the F-16 in 2019, making it one of the most battle-tested jets in IAF history. Known as the "backbone of the IAF", the MiG-21 was also fielded in the Kargil War and played a key role in India’s victory in 1999.
(With inputs from ANI)
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