Replaced by Tejas Mk1A Jets as IAF Modernizes Fleet
India’s Iconic MiG-21 Jets to Retire After Over 60 Years of Service
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will officially phase out its remaining MiG-21 fighter jets by September 2025, marking the end of an era in Indian military aviation. Once the backbone of India’s air defense, the MiG-21 will make way for indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A jets, reflecting the country’s push for modernization and self-reliance.
🔹 A Glorious Chapter Comes to an End
- The IAF currently has 36 MiG-21 jets in service.
- This number is a sharp decline from the nearly 900 jets, including 660 manufactured in India, that once guarded Indian skies.
- The MiG-21 entered service in 1963, becoming the first supersonic jet in IAF history.
- The final variant in use, the MiG-21 Bison, featured upgraded avionics and navigation systems.
🔹 Farewell Flights and Legacy Moments
In October 2023, MiG-21s from No. 4 Squadron made their final ceremonial flight over Barmer, Rajasthan, symbolizing a respectful farewell as the Sukhoi Su-30MKIs took over operations in the border state.
Earlier, the Srinagar-based No. 51 Squadron, known for its role in Kargil’s Operation Safed Sagar and the 2019 Balakot aftermath, was also phased out.
🚀 Notable Legacy:
Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down a Pakistani F-16 during the 2019 dogfight, was part of this MiG-21 squadron.
🔹 Safety Concerns and Phasing Timeline
The decision to retire the MiG-21 was accelerated due to multiple technical failures and crashes, including the May 2023 crash in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, which tragically killed three civilians.
- In July 2022, the IAF confirmed a 3-year timeline to retire its remaining MiG-21 squadrons.
- The MiG-29 fleet is also expected to be retired by 2027.
🔹 What Comes Next: Tejas Mk1A and AMCA
As part of its modernization plan:
- The IAF will replace MiG-21s with LCA Tejas Mk1A jets starting later this year.
- India is also developing a fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
- It will feature twin engines, internal weapons bays, and stealth technology.
- Most components will be indigenously developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru.
- The estimated development cost is over ₹15,000 crore.
🚨 Why This Matters
The retirement of the MiG-21 marks not only the end of a historic chapter but also India’s transition into advanced, indigenous aviation technology. With Tejas and AMCA in the pipeline, the IAF is positioning itself among the world’s most modern air forces.
