After 62 years of service on 26 September 2025, the MiG-21 aircraft is retiring from the Indian Air Force. It was India’s first supersonic fighter aircraft, playing a key role in 1971 War, Kargil and many missions. Now Tejas LCA Mark 1A will be included in its place.
New Delhi: With the retirement of MiG-21, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is closing a historic chapter of Indian military aviation. The aircraft is leaving a record of unmatched service and a legacy that will be remembered during a change in the new generation fighter aircraft of India. Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) may include Mark 1A instead of IAF MiG-21. Famous as the ‘backbone of IAF’, about 60 years of MiG-21’s service has played an important role in shaping India’s aerial strength. The Air Force is preparing to remove the MiG-21 fighter aircraft from service on 26 September.
Indian Air Force will give memorable farewell to MiG-21 fighter aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) paid homage to its prestigious MiG-21 fighter aircraft, and celebrated a brilliant service of six decades. In a post on X, IAF praised the aircraft, describing it as a “warrior who took the country’s pride to the sky,” as well as a video that shows the magnificent history of MiG-21. MiG-21, which was included in 1963, has been in service for about 6 decades and has been a foundation for India’s aerial strength. The first squadron, 28 squadron, made in Chandigarh, was named ‘First Supersonics’ as it was India’s first supersonic fighter aircraft.
When Pakistan surrendered, MiG-21 aircraft had a big role in it
The MiG-21 aircraft took a large scale in several operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it proved its war ability. During the decades, it has trained several generations of fighter pilots, many of which consider it to be mastered by both challenging and beneficial. In the 1971 war, MiG-21 attacked the governor’s residence in Dhaka, causing Pakistan to surrender. The aircraft has killed fighter aircraft of several generations of the enemy-from F-104 to F-16 in 1971 to F-16-which makes it one of the highest warfast jets in the history of IAF.
In Kargil too, MiG-21 had cruised enemies’ teeth
The MiG-21 was also fielded in the Kargil war. According to the Press Bureau of Information, this was often the first choice of commanders, as it gave unmatched flexibility due to its fast agility, fast speed and unique qualities like getting ready. The versatility of all variants of MiG-21 has greatly shaped the operational thinking of IAF for decades. Pilots, engineers and technicians who blow and maintain MiG-21 have been strong supporters of its extraordinary war capacity. In addition to completing large operational adventures, MiG-21 also launched a revolutionary improvement in technical and manufacturing capabilities of our indigenous aerospace industry. With the withdrawal of MiG-21 FL service, an era of consistent performance, accurate firepower and strong performance will also end.