Indian Air Force to retire MiG-21 jet after 62 years in service

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet on September 26, after nearly six decades of service since its induction in 1963. Known as the "backbone of the IAF," the MiG-21 played a crucial role in major conflicts including the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the Bangladesh Liberation War, and the 1999 Kargil War, notably striking the Governor's residence in Dhaka which contributed to Pakistan's surrender. The aircraft was highly battle-tested, having shot down multiple generations of enemy fighters from F-104s in 1971 to F-16s in 2019, and was prized for its agility, fast acceleration, and operational flexibility. Despite its distinguished service, the MiG-21 had a high accident rate, with over 400 crashes and more than 200 pilot fatalities, earning it nicknames like "Flying Coffin" and "Widow Maker." The IAF will replace the MiG-21 with the modern Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A, symbolizing a transition to newer technology while honoring the MiG-21's legacy of training generations of pilots and shaping India's air power. The retirement marks the end of an era in Indian military aviation, commemorated by a farewell at the Chandigarh airbase and tributes from the IAF.