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After four decades of service and one final 40-minute flight, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh paid tribute to the MiG-21 in his own unique style. The iconic fighter jet, once the backbone of the Indian Air Force, is set to retire on September 26, 2025, marking the end of an era.
A Historic Flight Before Retirement
The MiG-21 holds a special place in the Air Chief’s career—it was the very aircraft he first flew as a young pilot in 1985. In a symbolic farewell, just a month before its official retirement, he returned to the skies in a solo sortie from Nal Airbase, flying the same jet once again after undergoing refresher training. This two-day program included a twin-seater orientation on day one, followed by several 40-minute solo flights, with one of them led by Squadron Leader Priya, a lady fighter pilot.
Speaking after the flight, the Chief reflected, “The MiG-21 will always be remembered by those who’ve flown it. It’s a legendary platform, but the time has come to move on to newer technologies. Maintaining it has become increasingly difficult.” He also confirmed the phasing out of the MiG-21, which will be replaced by modern platforms like the Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2, Rafale, and upgraded Su-30MKI fighters.
MiG-21: From Supersonic Marvel to Flying Legend
Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1964, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter jet and a critical component of national defence for over six decades. At its peak, the IAF operated close to 1,200 MiGs across different variants, making India the largest operator of the type globally.
Despite its contributions, the aircraft has had a controversial service record—earning the unfortunate nickname “Flying Coffin” due to a high number of crashes. Since the 1970s, over 400 MiG accidents have claimed the lives of several pilots. Still, the jet’s operational capability has never been in question. It continued to serve valiantly in frontline roles until its final years.
A Glorious Combat Legacy
The MiG-21 played critical roles in multiple conflicts:
- 1971 War: MiG-21s devastated Pakistani positions in East Pakistan. On December 14, four MiGs bombed the Governor’s House in Dhaka, accelerating the end of the war.
- Kargil Conflict (1999): Although one MiG was lost, the aircraft helped repel intruders from high-altitude positions in Kargil.
- Balakot Retaliation (2019): Following India’s airstrike in Balakot, the MiG-21 Bison made global headlines when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16—an unprecedented feat that reinforced the aircraft’s combat pedigree.
A Legacy Among Air Chiefs
The MiG-21 has shaped the careers of many IAF chiefs. Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa flew a twin-seater MiG-21 in September 2019 before his retirement, with Wing Commander Abhinandan as co-pilot. His successor, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, also took to the skies in a MiG-21 in September 2021.
These symbolic flights underscore the deep-rooted connection between IAF leadership and the MiG-21 platform, marking it as not just an aircraft, but a rite of passage for generations of pilots.
No. 22 Squadron and the LCA Tejas
While the Indian Air Force does not follow traditional regimental systems, the Air Chief is often seen wearing the insignia of No. 22 Squadron—a unit he once commanded when it operated MiG-27 aircraft. This squadron has a storied past, notably for shooting down three Pakistani Sabres during the Battle of Boyra in 1971, a rare event where three pilots were simultaneously awarded the Vir Chakra.
There is growing anticipation that No. 22 Squadron may soon be revived with the induction of the LCA Tejas Mk1A, ensuring the squadron continues its legacy into the future.
Final Salute
With its final ceremonial flight scheduled for September 26, 2025, in Chandigarh, the MiG-21 Bison will take its last bow. Though its time has come to an end, the MiG-21 leaves behind a legacy of speed, power, and resilience—etched forever in the history of the IAF.
