• By Pawan Mishra
  • Thu, 25 Sep 2025 01:14 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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MIG-21 Fighter Jet:  Mikoyan-Gurevich MIG-21, the legendary fighter jet, is set for its last flight from Chandigarh. The MIG-21 fighter jet was inducted by the Indian Air Force in 1963, and it became the backbone of the force at its apex. The MIG-21 served the Indian Air Force for more than 6 decades, and while it was admired by many, it also got the nickname ‘Flying Coffin’. Let’s take a look at the MIG-21’s journey in the country.

MIG-21 In India: The Significance

The MIG-21 was designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau in the USSR. The MIG-21 was developed as a supersonic interceptor jet. However, it acted as a multi-role fighter jet during its service in India. The MIG-21 fighter jets made up around two-thirds of its fighter jet fleet. According to official figures, India acquired 872 different models of the MIG-21 fighter jet between 1966 and 1980. The Significance of the MIG-21 can also be understood by the fact that it flew with air forces of more than 50 countries, and it blew up the American-made F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistani Air Force.

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MIG-21 In India: “Flying Coffin”

While the MIG-21 enjoyed its apex in India, it also earned itself a discouraging nickname, “Flying Coffin.” As per a report by the BBC, the MIG-21 recorded 482 crashes between 1971-72 and April 2012. As many as a total of 219 people lost their lives during this period. 171 pilots, 39 civilians, 8 service personnel, and one aircrew lost their lives. Pilots who flew MIG-21 think that the dark image of the MIG-21 in its later years was undeserved.

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MIG-21 In India: Last Flight On Friday

The Indian Air Force has decided to retire the remaining two squadrons of the MIG-21 fighter jets, and the last flight of the fighter jet will take off from the Chandigarh air force base, the same place where the MIG-21 was inducted. After retiring the MIG-21 fighter jets, the Indian Air Force will be left with a total of 29 fighter units. It is also anticipated that the Indian Air Force can sign a deal for 97 Tejas aircraft worth Rs 66,500 crore today.