The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday retired its last squadron of MiG-21 fighter aircraft, bringing an end to the jet’s six-decade service in India’s defence history. The aircraft, inducted in 1963, was described by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as a “testimony to India-Russia ties” during the retirement ceremony.
The MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter and played a central role in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, as well as later operations on the western and northern fronts. Known for its agility, the aircraft formed the backbone of the IAF for decades, with more than 800 units inducted since its first arrival.
Over time, however, the aircraft became increasingly difficult to maintain due to ageing airframes, outdated avionics, and rising accident rates. The IAF gradually phased out different variants of the MiG-21, with the last squadron — based in Uttarlai, Rajasthan — flying its final sortie this week.
The retirement comes at a time when the IAF’s squadron strength stands at around 30, well below the sanctioned 42. To bridge the gap, the government is accelerating the induction of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Contracts for 97 Tejas aircraft were signed earlier this year, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025.
Alongside indigenous efforts, India is also pursuing global procurement programmes for advanced multi-role fighter jets to strengthen its fleet. The Ministry of Defence has been in talks with foreign manufacturers, while also emphasising the need for domestic production under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The MiG-21 was a cornerstone of India-Russia defence cooperation, symbolising decades of strategic and industrial collaboration. At the ceremony, Defence Minister Singh highlighted that legacy, calling the aircraft “a trusted ally in India’s skies for over six decades.”
With the retirement of the MiG-21, the IAF has closed a historic chapter in its operations, while shifting focus toward modernisation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
