Chandigarh: The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) took to the skies for the last time on Friday, September 26, 2025, marking the end of an era that spanned more than six decades. The ceremonial decommissioning in Chandigarh celebrated the historic legacy of the Russian-origin supersonic fighters that were first inducted in the 1960s.

Historic farewell event

The skies over Chandigarh were clear as the MiG-21s performed their final sorties, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable event attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, former IAF chiefs A.Y. Tipnis, S.P. Tyagi, B.S. Dhanoa, and other veterans who had flown the iconic aircraft. Singh described the MiG-21 as a “mighty machine and a source of national pride” that strengthened India-Russia ties.

“The history of military aviation is incredible. The MiG-21 added many proud moments in our military aviation journey,” said the Defence Minister.

Flypast and aerial displays

The ceremonial event featured a spectacular flypast by MiG-21 jets of the 23 Squadron, nicknamed ‘Panthers’, led by Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who flew the last sortie with the call sign Badal 3. The aircraft flew in both three-aircraft Badal and four-aircraft Panther formations.

The occasion also included a performance by the elite skydiving team ‘Akash Ganga’, who jumped from 8,000 feet, as well as manoeuvres by the Surya Kiran aerobatic team. Additionally, Jaguar and Tejas aircraft participated, showcasing India’s evolving air power alongside the retiring MiG-21 fleet.

A water cannon salute was given to the MiG-21 jets, symbolising the nation’s gratitude to the fighter that had served the IAF for decades.

Legacy and operational history

The MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft, and over 870 units were procured to enhance combat capabilities. These jets played a key role in major conflicts including the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.

Despite its historic significance, the aircraft had a troubled safety record, with multiple crashes over the years, leading some to describe the fleet as “legacy coffins.” The last operational MiG-21 flights took place at Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, Rajasthan, a month ahead of the ceremonial retirement.

Air Chief Marshal Singh had also conducted solo sorties from Nal on August 18–19, symbolising the final chapter in the operational life of the aircraft.

Moving forward

With the MiG-21 retired, the IAF will increasingly rely on modern platforms like the Tejas, Jaguar, and other next-generation fighters to maintain air superiority. The farewell ceremony not only honoured the MiG-21’s operational history but also celebrated its role in shaping the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities over six decades.