India to Officially Retire MiG-21 Fighter Jets After 60+ Years of Service
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its iconic yet controversial MiG-21 fighter jets, ending an era of over six decades in military aviation. A formal farewell ceremony is scheduled to be held at Chandigarh Airbase on September 16, according to Indian media reports.
A Legendary Yet Controversial Legacy
Introduced in the early 1960s, the MiG-21 was once the backbone of the Indian Air Force. However, the jet became widely known by its grim nickname — “the flying coffin” — due to its alarming crash rate. Over 200 pilots are reported to have lost their lives in accidents involving the aircraft.
Operational History
Despite its safety concerns, the MiG-21 played a crucial role in several key military operations, including wars with Pakistan and air defense patrols across the Indian subcontinent. Its high-speed performance made it a formidable asset in earlier decades, allowing India to compete in the global air combat arena.
Long-Overdue Retirement
The aircraft has long outlived its originally intended service life. Plans for retirement had been in discussion for years, but strategic needs and delays in acquiring replacements kept the MiG-21 operational far longer than expected.
The Way Forward
The IAF is now focusing on modernizing its fleet with newer, more advanced aircraft such as the Rafale jets, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), and upcoming fifth-generation fighters. The retirement of the MiG-21 marks a significant shift toward improved safety and combat readiness for the Indian military.
