The brave warrior Mig-21 aircraft, considered the backbone of the Indian Air Force for 62 years, has been retired
"Air Chief Marshal Singh said," "The MiG-21 has been the most potent fighter aircraft of the IAF since its inception in the 1960s and we are still using it." It is one of the largest, mass-produced supersonic fighter aircraft in history, with more than 11,000 aircraft in use in more than 60 countries. '
The Indian Air Force's oldest and bravest fighter, the MiG-21, is formally retiring next month. The fighter jet, which guarded the skies for nearly six decades, was once called the "backbone of the Air Force." The MiG-21 has been India's most successful fighter aircraft since 1971. But increasing technical challenges and accidents have put a full stop to its journey. Now this aircraft will always be remembered as a glorious chapter in Indian defence history. On Monday (August 25, 2025), MiG-21 fighters made their last sortie at the Air Force Station at Nal in Bikaner. These aircraft will be given a final farewell at a formal retirement ceremony to be held in Chandigarh on September 26.
In a symbolic farewell to the MiG-21, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew a MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19. It was an emotional moment for several generations of pilots trained on the Russian-origin fighter aircraft that served the IAF for 62 years. "Air Chief Marshal Singh said," "The MiG-21 has been the most potent fighter aircraft of the IAF since its inception in the 1960s and we are still using it." It is one of the largest, mass-produced supersonic fighter aircraft in history, with more than 11,000 aircraft in use in more than 60 countries. '
What's Your Reaction?
