India is set to bid farewell to its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets, marking the end of an era for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The last two MiG-21 Bison squadrons will be officially decommissioned on September 19 at a ceremonial event in Chandigarh, concluding nearly six decades of service. First inducted in 1963, the Soviet-origin jets have been a crucial part of India’s defense, with over 700 MiG-21s of various models, including the upgraded Bison variant, serving the nation.
However, the MiG-21’s long service has been marred by safety concerns, earning it the grim nickname “flying coffin.” Over 400 crashes have been recorded, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 pilots and civilians. Just last year, a May 2023 crash in Rajasthan’s Suratgarh killed three civilians, while another accident in 2022 claimed the lives of two senior IAF officers. The jet’s vulnerabilities were further exposed during the 2019 India-Pakistan standoff, when a MiG-21 flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force.
The retirement of the MiG-21 was initially planned for 2022, but delays in the induction of replacement aircraft prolonged its service. Now, the indigenous Tejas LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) is expected to take over its role. The Tejas, developed under India’s Make in India initiative, represents a shift toward modern, homegrown defense technology.
As the IAF transitions away from the MiG-21, the event in September will be a historic moment—honoring the jet’s contributions while acknowledging its risks. The move underscores India’s push for a more advanced and safer fighter fleet, aligning with its evolving defense needs in an era of modern warfare