• By Soumyaroop Mukherjee
  • Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:20 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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After an incredible service of 62 years, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to close a historic chapter with the Russian-made MiG-21 in late September. Although retired from the Indian Air Force fleet, the Russian aircraft leaves after a record of unmatched legacy. 

The IAF is likely to replace the MiG-21 with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A. The Air Force is preparing to phase out the MiG-21, dubbed as “the backbone of the IAF,” on September 26. 

In a post on X, the IAF wrote a heartfelt tribute to the MiG-21, "warhorse that carried the pride of a nation into the skies," with video showcasing the MiG-21's excellent history. Inducted into the fleet of the IAF for the first time in 1963, the first squadron of MiG-21 was nicknamed ‘First Supersonics’.

True Friend Of IAF

There is a saying in English, ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’, and MiG-21 fits that saying aptly. The aircraft saw extensive action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it proved its combat effectiveness. The precision striking during the war, when it attacked the Governor’s residence in Dhaka, led to Pakistan’s surrender in the end.

In the 1971 war, MiG-21s struck the Governor's residence in Dhaka, leading to Pakistan's surrender. The aircraft has shot down multiple generations of enemy fighters, from F-104s in 1971 to the F-16 in 2019, making it one of the most battle-tested jets in IAF history.

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It was once again fielded on the battlefield during the Kargil war. Soon, it became the first choice of the commanders as it provided unmatched performance due to its unique attributes of high agility, fast acceleration, and quick turnaround, as per the PIB. 

Over the decades, the pilots have lauded the exceptional capabilities of the aircraft while at the same time recalling the challenge to master it. Besides major operational feats, the aircraft also pushed the technological capabilities of the country to develop indigenous aircraft.

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A dear friend of the Air Force, right from the Kargil to the recent operations against Pakistan, the MiG-21 has been like an anchor to the Indian Air Force, and now it is time to make a transition to more advanced fighter jets.

(With inputs from ANI)