The roar of the MiG-21 echoed across Chandigarh skies one final time on Friday, closing a glorious chapter in India’s military aviation. For more than 60 years, the fighter jet had been at the heart of the Indian Air Force (IAF), dueling in dogfights, training generations of pilots, and standing tall in four wars with Pakistan.
At exactly 12:05 pm, six MiG-21 Bison variants, led by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, call sign Badal 3, rose in formation, their wings tipping in a farewell salute. Moments later, the jets were greeted with a water cannon tribute on the runway.
Chandigarh was chosen for this historic flight for a reason. It was here, in 1963, that the first 13 MiG-21s had been inducted, answering India’s call for a high-altitude interceptor at the height of the Cold War.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, paying tribute to the legendary jet, said the MiG-21 was “not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties.” He added: “The history of military aviation is incredible. The MiG-21 added many proud moments in our journey and shaped our confidence.”
The Ministry of Defence also shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “We shall remember you, #MiG21! A legendary icon of the Indian Air Force, this fearless warrior has etched its valour across generations. As its final sortie marks the close of a historic era, the #IAF celebrates its legacy with pride and ushers in a bold new chapter of innovation and strength.”
Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who witnessed the Indian Air Force’s final MiG-21 flight on Friday, said the iconic fighter jet had been a defining part of his career.
“MiG-21 has been a huge part of my life. I have done a lot of flying in this aircraft. It has taught me a lot, and I’m very excited to be here to see its last flight and meet everyone who was part of my journey,” said the group captain.
Shukla, who actively flew the aircraft between 2007 and 2017, recalled starting with the MiG-21 Calibre variants before moving on to the MiG-21 Bison across multiple squadrons. “It has been a great experience,” he added.
First inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 quickly became the backbone of the IAF, participating in the 1965, 1971, and 1999 wars against Pakistan. The aircraft also proved its mettle in modern combat during the 2019 Balakot tensions, when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, flying a MiG-21 Bison, downed a Pakistani F-16 in an unprecedented engagement. Though his aircraft was shot down and he was captured across the Line of Control, Abhinandan’s composure and courage turned him into a national hero.
The retirement of the MiG-21 closes a historic chapter in Indian military aviation, but its roar and the stories of the warriors who flew it, will remain etched in the nation’s memory as symbols of courage, resilience, and pride.
