MIG-21decommmissioned

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who presided over the decommissioning ceremony, said MiG-21 not only marked a transformative chapter in India’s air power, but also stood as a powerful symbol of the enduring and strategic partnership between India and Russia.

“The legacy of MiG-21 will live on in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in defence. 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 (AMCA),” Singh said, adding: “When the world looks at India tomorrow, it should see a nation that began with the MiG-21 and now leads with futuristic defence technologies.”

Referring to MiG-21 as a “Bird of All Seasons,” Rajnath said that it redefined India’s aerial combat capabilities and stood as a symbol of strength and valour for the armed forces in all wars.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh led the final MiG-21 sortie, with Sqn Leader Priya Sharma among six pilots flying in formation. A joint MiG-21 and Tejas flypast highlighted the transition to the indigenous light combat aircraft.

Addressing a gathering of the country’s top military commanders and air warriors at Chandigarh Air Force Station, Rajnath said that he was filled with “Gaurav (pride) and Kritagyata (gratitude)” as the nation prepared to “close a historic chapter that would be remembered in golden letters”.

Describing it as more than just a machine, but rather a symbol of India’s rise in military aviation, a shield of national defence, and a faithful companion of the Armed Forces since its induction in 1963, Singh said: “MiG-21 established India’s air power on the global stage.”

MiG-21 performed far beyond expectations of both its designers and operators, evolving from a 1950s-era jet into a formidable, upgraded platform known by names such as Trishul, Vikram, Badal and Bison, the defence minister said.

“This adaptability is what kept MiG-21 at the heart of IAF’s inventory for so long. MiG-21 taught us never to fear change, but to embrace it with confidence. Today, India’s defence ecosystem, our research labs, academia, DPSUs, private sector, startups and youth is working in unison to take this legacy forward,” he said.

The defence minister pointed out that MiG-21 excelled in multiple roles. “As an interceptor, it stopped the enemy. In ground-attack roles, it showed aggression. In air defence, it protected our skies. And as a trainer, it shaped generations of air warriors. That is the beauty of the MiG-21,” he said.

Singh highlighted the extraordinary legacy of the MiG-21, describing it as one of the most significant fighter aircraft in military history. “No other aircraft has been manufactured in such large numbers. A total of 11,500 MiGs were built, of which around 850 were inducted into IAF,” he said.

Calling it a “flying testimony of popularity, credibility, and multidimensional capabilities,” Singh noted that IAF chief A P Singh flew the aircraft during the ceremonial show — an act symbolizing the jet’s enduring credibility.

Rajnath Singh recalled the aircraft’s service across decades, from the 1971 War to Kargil, Balakot and Operation Safed Sagar. He particularly mentioned the MiG-21 strike on Dhaka’s Governor House during the 1971 war, which he said proved decisive in securing India’s victory. “It scripted courage, sacrifice, and excellence,” Singh remarked.

“In every historic mission, MiG-21 carried the Tricolour with honour. Its contribution has never been limited to a single event or battle, it has been a pillar of India’s air power for decades,” he said.

In his nearly 20-minute speech, Singh rejected the notion that six decades was too long to keep flying the MiG-21. “I wish to tell you something interesting. When the MiG-21s were inducted in the 1960s and 1970s, they were already out of service abroad. Our fleet is about 40 years old, but many countries keep such aircraft in service even longer. Over the years, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) upgraded them with modern avionics, radars, and weapon systems. The aircraft always delivered beyond expectations. Its design was among the best of its time,” Singh said.

“The foundation of our highly skilled fighter pilots was laid on the MiG-21. Standing on this legendary platform, generations of air warriors learned to fly, adapt, and succeed in the toughest conditions. Its role in shaping India’s air strategy cannot be overstated,” he said.

Singh emphasised that this farewell should not be seen merely as a ceremonial military tradition, but as an extension of India’s civilisational ethos. “Our ancient culture teaches us that divinity resides not only in living beings, but also in non-living objects. Just as we worship the earth, rivers, trees and tools that serve us, today’s farewell to the MiG-21 is an act of gratitude towards a machine that protected our skies and inspired confidence in our people for over 60 years,” he said, adding that moment was akin to the rituals performed for weapons on Dussehra.

“Today, history comes full circle as we bid farewell to MiG-21 from the same place it began its IAF journey as No. 28 Squadron, the ‘First Supersonics’,” he added.

Six MiG-21s of the No. 23 ‘Panthers’ Squadron took part in the flying formation before being given a water cannon salute, marking the end of this iconic aircraft’s flying journey. In the historic de-induction ceremony, the indigenous Tejas — proposed as MiG-21’s replacement — participated in the ceremonial flypast, along with a Jaguar.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Naval chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar, and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh attended the event. Six former IAF chiefs — AY Tipnis, SP Tyagi, PV Naik, BS Dhanoa, S Krishnaswamy and RKS Bhadauria — were also present to witness the final touchdown of the MiG-21, an aircraft they once flew during service.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, was also there along with DRDO chairman Dr Samir V Kamath.

IAF’s Surya Kiran team put up a scintillating display, making people gasp in awe at their wingtip-to-wingtip manoeuvres. Parachutists of the Akash Ganga skydiving team dived from a height of 8,000 feet.