IAF bids adieu to MiG-21 with Rajnath Singh's presence

India Sep 26, 2025

The Indian Air Force has officially retired the MiG-21, its iconic supersonic fighter jet that's been flying since 1963.
The farewell ceremony at Chandigarh Air Base, attended by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, marked the end of an era for a plane that shaped India's air defense and saw action in several major conflicts.

MiG-21's legacy in India's air defense

As the IAF's first supersonic jet, the MiG-21 played a key role in wars like 1971 and Kargil, and trained generations of pilots.
The retirement event featured aerobatic displays and a water-cannon salute during the full-dress rehearsal to honor its long service.
Singh attended the ceremony, reflecting on how this aircraft served India with distinction for decades.