The iconic MiG-21 fighter jets, which have been the backbone of the Indian Air Force for over six decades, are set to retire on Friday, September 26. These jets belong to the 23 Squadron, also known as the “Panthers”, and will be decommissioned in a ceremony at Chandigarh Air Force Station, Punjab.

Ahead of the retirement event, a full-dress rehearsal was held at the Chandigarh Air Base on Wednesday. The MiG-21 has been a symbol of India’s air power for generations, and its retirement marks the end of an era for the IAF.

All about MiG-21

The MiG-21, inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 from the Soviet Union (now Russia), has been a backbone of India’s air power for over six decades. The jets have played key roles in several wars and operations, including the 1971 war against Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict, the 2019 Balakot surgical strike, and the famous mission where Wing Commander Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16.

During the 1971 war, MiG-21s carried out important attacks on the Tejgaon and Kurmitola airfields in East Pakistan. They also bombed the governor’s residence, contributing to Pakistan’s surrender with 93,000 Prisoners of War. In the Kargil war, the jets were used to destroy enemy command and control centres at high mountain peaks.

The retirement ceremony will be attended by top leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.

Why MiG-21 was called the “Flying Coffin”

Despite their achievements, the MiG-21s earned the nickname “flying coffins” in recent years because of the high number of crashes, particularly in the early 2000s. The media used the term to reflect the grief of families who lost pilots in these accidents.

Even with these risks, many pilots and experts insist that the MiG-21 was one of the best fighter jets of its time, combining speed, agility, and combat effectiveness. Its retirement marks the end of an era for the Indian Air Force, closing a chapter in India’s aviation history.