National: MiG-21’s Final Flight: IAF Bids Adieu to ‘Flying Coffin’
Historic Retirement Announced
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will decommission its last MiG-21 fighter jets on September 19, 2025, marking the end of a 62-year legacy at a ceremonial event in Chandigarh. The iconic Soviet-era jets, inducted in 1963, will be replaced by the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A, signaling a pivotal shift in India’s defense modernization.
Legacy of Valor
The MiG-21, India’s first supersonic jet, played a critical role in major conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Its agility and combat prowess cemented its status as the IAF’s backbone for decades.
Troubled Safety Record
Over 400 MiG-21 crashes have claimed approximately 200 pilots and 60 civilians, earning the jet the grim moniker “Flying Coffin.” A May 2023 crash in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, which killed three civilians, underscored persistent safety concerns.
Current Operational Status
The IAF operates 26–28 MiG-21 Bison aircraft across one and a half squadrons at Nal Air Force Station, Rajasthan. These upgraded variants, equipped with advanced avionics and missiles, are the last of over 870 MiG-21s inducted since 1963.
Tejas Mk1A Transition
The indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A, produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will replace the MiG-21s, with 83 jets contracted and 97 more planned. Delays in engine supply from GE Aerospace have postponed deliveries, originally slated for March 2024.
Squadron Strength Concerns
The retirement will reduce IAF’s combat strength to 29 squadrons, the lowest since the 1960s, against an authorized 42. This gap raises concerns about operational readiness amid regional security challenges.
Modernization Imperative
The shift to Tejas Mk1A reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The IAF is also upgrading Su-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 fleets while planning to induct the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Ceremonial Farewell
The September 19 event at Chandigarh airbase will feature flypasts and static displays, attended by IAF veterans and senior officials. The retirement marks both a tribute to the MiG-21’s storied service and a step toward a modernized air force.