MiG-21: The End of an Era as the Iconic Fighter Jet Retires from Service After 60 Years

After six decades of dedicated service, the MiG-21, a prominent fighter jet in the Indian Air Force, is retiring. This fighter plane represented India’s spirit and was a key part of India’s air defense in various battles. The Indian Air Force will bid farewell to its remaining MiG-21 aircraft in Chandigarh on September 26. The MiG-21 was instrumental in several critical events, including the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Pulwama attack. The Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh piloted the MiG-21 from the Nal Air Force Base, where the MiG-21 was first inducted into the Air Force in 1963, shortly after the 1962 India-China war. The MiG-21 was a cutting-edge aircraft at the time, offering a vital aerial defense against both Pakistan and China. The MiG-21, was continually upgraded, and in 1971, HAL started the production of the aircraft in India. The MiG-21 has also been associated with the unfortunate moniker ‘Flying Coffin’ due to a high number of accidents over the years. The retirement of the MiG-21 was held back while waiting for its replacement program to be fully ready, but now, with the LCA Tejas Mk.1 and Mk.1A operational, the MiG-21 will be gradually phased out.