MiG-21 Retirement Ceremony: The Indian Air Force retires its iconic MiG-21 fighter jet on September 26, 2025, at Chandigarh Air Force Station, marking 62 years of service and a historic farewell ceremony.
MiG-21 Retirement Ceremony Highlights:
- MiG-21 retires after 62 years of service with the IAF
- Farewell ceremony held at Chandigarh Air Force Station on September 26, 2025
- Air Chief Marshal Badal-3 flew the final sortie
- Former IAF Chiefs and Defence Minister attended the event
- No. 23 Squadron “Panthers” performed the flypast
- Transition to indigenous Tejas aircraft marks IAF modernization
A Historic MiG-21 Retirement Ceremony Farewell at Chandigarh Air Force Station
On September 26, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) bid a poignant farewell to the legendary MiG-21 fighter aircraft at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. After 62 years of unwavering service, the supersonic jet, which has been a cornerstone of India’s aerial defense, took its final flight, bringing an end to an era of unmatched legacy.
From its first induction in 1963, the MiG-21 has served India in numerous pivotal military operations, from the 1965 and 1971 wars to the Kargil conflict of 1999 and even recent strikes. Its speed, agility, and adaptability earned it the title of “Flying Sentinel of India’s Skies,” making it one of the most recognizable fighter jets in the world.
The Farewell Ceremony
The decommissioning event was marked by a series of spectacular displays. A multi-aircraft flypast, simulated dogfights, and skydiving demonstrations enthralled attendees. Six MiG-21s from the No. 23 Squadron, the Panthers, participated in the ceremonial flights. Each aircraft received a water cannon salute upon landing, symbolizing respect and gratitude for decades of service.
The Air Chief Marshal, with the call sign Badal-3, piloted the final sortie, accompanied by a formation that included an Air Commodore and a Group Captain. Notably, Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, the last female pilot to operate the MiG-21, joined the flypast, marking a milestone in gender representation within the IAF.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with former IAF Chiefs S P Tyagi and B S Dhanoa, attended the ceremony, underscoring the aircraft’s historical significance. Senior officers, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts witnessed the jet’s final bow, creating a moment of reflection and pride.
A Legacy of Valor
Over its 62-year tenure, the MiG-21 earned a reputation for unmatched resilience. Despite technological advancements in aviation, the fighter jet continued to serve as a reliable asset in India’s defense arsenal. Several upgrades, including the MiG-21 Bison variant, extended its operational life, keeping it relevant in modern aerial combat.
The retirement of the MiG-21 signals a new chapter for the IAF. The indigenous Tejas fighter jet and other modern aircraft are set to replace the retired jets, ensuring India’s aerial defense remains robust. However, the transition poses challenges, as the IAF balances operational readiness with modernization.
Remembering the MiG-21
The MiG-21’s retirement is more than a procedural event—it is the closing of a chapter that shaped the history of Indian military aviation. From its debut in 1963 to its last flight in 2025, the jet symbolized India’s determination, courage, and technological ambition.
As the Indian Air Force moves forward, the MiG-21 will remain a symbol of resilience and pride, remembered not just for its flights, but for the countless pilots who soared through the skies on its wings.