As the Indian Air Force formally retires its legendary MiG-21 aircraft on Friday, veteran pilots reflected on the unmatched legacy of the fighter that trained generations and defended the nation for nearly six decades.
Ahead of the decommissioning ceremony, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Group Captain Malik (Retd.) called bidding farewell to the MiG-21 an emotional moment. Speaking to ANI, he said, “I have flown all three versions of MiG-21s for almost 24 years… It was my life, and now it is going to be a part of my life. It’s a mixed feeling… Each moment is emotional when we are bidding farewell to this aircraft, and I swear there is nothing better than this aircraft.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared on X, “Today, 26th September, I shall be in Chandigarh. Shall attend the Decommissioning ceremony of IAF’s MiG-21. Looking forward to it.”
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 became a cornerstone of India’s air power, with the first squadron, the 28 Squadron raised in Chandigarh, earning the nickname ‘First Supersonics’ as India’s first supersonic fighter. The aircraft has seen extensive action, from the 1971 war with Pakistan—striking the Governor’s residence in Dhaka and contributing to Pakistan’s surrender—to more recent engagements, including shooting down enemy F-16s in 2019.
Known as the “backbone of the IAF,” the MiG-21 also played a key role in the Kargil war, while training generations of fighter pilots who recall mastering it as both challenging and rewarding. The aircraft leaves behind a legacy of unmatched service as India transitions to a new generation of fighter jets.
