India has retired its last fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets, closing a 63-year-long chapter in its air force history. The aircraft, once the backbone of the Indian Air Force, had become infamous as “flying coffins” due to their poor safety record.
On September 26, the Indian Air Force (IAF) held a farewell ceremony at Air Force Station Chandigarh. The event was live-streamed nationwide and attended by senior officials, including India’s defense minister. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew a MiG-21 in the final flypast, marking the end of an era.
India inducted the MiG-21 in 1963, becoming the first non-communist country to operate the jet. Indian pilots initially trained in the Soviet Union before Hindustan Aeronautics began building the aircraft under license. More than 600 MiG-21s were eventually produced in India, making it a vital part of the IAF.
The MiG-21 played key roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. It also saw combat in later conflicts, including the 1999 Kargil war. Despite its successes, the aircraft suffered heavy losses in battle. Its poor performance in recent years, including in 2019 and 2025 aerial clashes with Pakistan, added to its negative image.
Accidents further damaged its reputation. Hundreds of crashes claimed the lives of many Indian pilots, sparking public anger. Critics labeled the aircraft outdated and dangerous, calling it unfit for modern warfare. In Pakistan, the MiG-21 was often mocked as a “paper plane.”
India tried to modernize the jet by introducing the MiG-21 Bison variant. These upgraded models received new radars, avionics, and advanced missiles. However, the updates could not overcome the limits of its old design.
The retirement highlights both India’s aviation legacy and its urgent need for modernization. While the MiG-21 once symbolized strength, its farewell reflects the IAF’s growing demand for advanced fighter jets to secure the country’s skies.
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