Farewell to the MiG-21: A Legendary Era Ends at Chandigarh Airbase

Chandigarh, September 26, 2025 – The Indian Air Force (IAF) today bids an emotional farewell to the MiG-21, a fighter jet that has defined aerial valor for over six decades. Its final Fly past September 26, 2025 will conclude a storied chapter, with the official retirement ceremony underway at the Chandigarh Airbase—the very site where the aircraft was first commissioned in 1963.

The MiG-21 joined the IAF in 1963, a Soviet-supplied supersonic interceptor that became its backbone amid rising tensions with China and Pakistan. Under Wing Commander (later Air Chief Marshal) Dilbagh Singh, No. 28 Squadron was raised in March 1963, at Chandigarh, marking India’s entry into Mach 2 aviation.

The jet proved its mettle in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, downing enemy planes with agility and firepower. Upgrades, including the MiG-21 Bison variant with advanced radar and avionics, extended its life through the 1999 Kargil conflict, 2019 Balakot airstrikes, and Operation Sindoor. Yet, its demanding dynamics led to over 400 crashes and more than 200 pilot losses since the 1960s, earning it the somber moniker “Flying Coffin”—a stark reminder of the courage required to fly it.

The retirement event, a poignant dress rehearsal of which occurred on September 24, is a fitting tribute. Flypasts by successor Tejas and Rafale jets fill the skies, while senior officers, veterans, and aircrew gather to celebrate. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, addressing the assembly, remarked, “The MiG-21 has been a pillar of our aerial strength, its service inspiring the next generation of defenders.” The ceremony includes displays of historical artifacts, pilot narratives, and a ceremonial flypast, reflecting the jet’s enduring impact.

This milestone aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The IAF is transitioning to indigenous Tejas Mk 1A and Rafale aircraft, enhancing technological edge and strategic deterrence. The MiG-21’s exit drops combat squadrons to 29, the lowest in decades, but signals progress with investments in training and infrastructure.

As the last MiG-21 lands at Chandigarh—where it all began—the nation honors its sacrifices and triumphs. This farewell is a proud acknowledgment of a legacy that safeguarded India’s skies, now giving way to a future of aerial supremacy. The IAF stands ready, its horizon bright with innovation and resolve.