In a poignant moment for military aviation, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) MiG-21, the country’s first supersonic fighter in service since 1963, is gearing up for its final flights. Flying operations are at their peak at the Nal desert fighter base as the IAF maximizes the capabilities of its Soviet-era interceptors before transitioning to the domestically produced light combat aircraft (LCA). The retirement process for all MiG-21s is expected to conclude by 2025.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, on October 3, announced the phased withdrawal of the MiG-21, a process set to be finalized by 2025. The No 4 Squadron, based in Uttarlai, Rajasthan, bid farewell to their MiG-21s in October.
Despite being over 60 years old, the MiG-21, known as India’s first supersonic fighter, continues to showcase its combat capabilities. Group Captain Chetan Sharma, the commanding officer of IAF’s No 3 Squadron, dubbed the “Cobras,” emphasizes that the MiG-21’s performance remains on par with other aircraft in the air force’s combat fleet.
While the MiG-21 is set to be retired by 2025, the No 3 Squadron is actively conducting operations. Sharma states, “The venerable steed has held its own for 60 years.” The squadron, along with the No 23 or “Panthers” squadron, is among the last to operate the MiG-21 Bison, the final variant of the single-engine aircraft.
The IAF, over the years, operated various MiG-21 variants, and despite its age, the aircraft allows pilots to push the flight envelope to meet mission requirements. Wing Commander Nanda Rajender and Squadron Leader Mohana Singh, one of India’s first women fighter pilots, attest to the MiG-21’s unique flying experience.
While concerns about the MiG-21’s safety record have been raised, Sharma credits the air force’s engineers and technicians for maintaining the fleet’s operational status. Despite its ominous nicknames like “Flying Coffin” and “Widow Maker,” the MiG-21 played a crucial role in India’s military history, contributing significantly to the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan.
The MiG-21 Bison, even in its final years, gained attention after Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed a Pakistan Air Force F-16 during the Balakot strike in February 2019. The MiG-21 has been a symbol of pride for the IAF, and its retirement marks the end of an era in Indian military aviation.