Chandigarh: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the final retirement of MiG-21 fighter jets from Indian Air Force service during a decommissioning ceremony held in Chandigarh on September 26, 2025. The event concluded the aircraft’s 62-year operational history with the IAF, which began with its induction in 1963.
Singh declared that the MiG-21’s legacy would continue through India’s indigenous defence development programmes. “The aircraft symbolises the continuity of courage, discipline and patriotism that will inspire the development of indigenous platforms such as LCA-Tejas and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft,” he stated during the ceremony.
The Defence Minister emphasised that approximately 850 MiG-21 aircraft served with the IAF out of more than 11,500 built worldwide. He described the jet as “more than just a machine” but rather “a symbol of India’s rise in military aviation” and “a shield of national defence” since its original induction.
Singh highlighted the MiG-21’s combat record across multiple conflicts, including its decisive role in the 1971 war when it attacked the Governor’s House in Dhaka. Additionally, the aircraft participated in the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor throughout its service period.
MiG-21 decommissioning ceremony features spectacular aerial displays
The Defence Minister praised the aircraft’s versatility, calling it the “bird of all seasons” that functioned as an interceptor, ground-attack platform, frontline air defence jet, and trainer aircraft. Furthermore, he noted that the MiG-21 evolved through various upgrades, becoming known by designations including Trishul, Vikram, Badal and Bison.
Singh addressed misconceptions about the aircraft’s age, clarifying that the jets recently retired were at most 40 years old, with earlier models from the 1960s and 1970s having been decommissioned long ago. Moreover, he credited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited engineers for continuously upgrading the aircraft with advanced radars, avionics and weapon systems.
The ceremony featured a flypast led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. Subsequently, the event included aerial displays by Akash Ganga skydivers, formation take-offs by MiG-21s, precision drill movements by the Air Warrior Drill Team, and performances by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.
A joint MiG-21 and LCA Tejas flypast demonstrated the transition from the retiring Bison variant to India’s indigenous Tejas fighter. The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial switch-off of six MiG-21 aircraft, with the aircraft document Form-700 being handed over to the Chief of the Air Staff.
Singh connected the farewell to Indian philosophical traditions, stating that the ceremony reflected respect for objects that serve the nation, similar to weapon worship rituals performed on Dussehra. He noted that Chandigarh held special significance as the location where India’s supersonic aviation journey began with the MiG-21’s induction into No. 28 Squadron.
The Defence Minister also released a commemorative day cover and stamp honouring the MiG-21’s legacy. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior officials attended the event alongside veterans and personnel who served with the aircraft.
