62 years in the service of MIG-21, it was now time to say goodbye, the Minister of Defense was also involved in the emotional farewell ceremony of the Air Force

The iconic fighter plane of the Indian Air Force, MIG-21, has now officially retired. A major farewell ceremony was held at Chandigarh Air Force Station on September 26, 2025. Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, head of defense staff general Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army Chief and Navy Chief, six former Air Force Chief, former servicemen and their families attended the ceremony. It was a passionate moment to pay tribute to the heroic saga of MIG-21. The ceremony began with the arrival of the last Minister of Flight Defense Rajnath Singh in the air. The Akash Ganga paratrooping team displayed an exciting parachuting. After that, Mig-21 flew in the air. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew alone in Badal Formation. The Air Warrior Boor Team performed a wonderful drill. The day starts with a Badal Formation flying path. This was followed by a false dogfite order. In this, six Jaguar aircraft tried to attack on the base, but the MIG-21 defenders stopped them. This showed the MIG-21 warfare. The Panther formation also included two light fighter aircraft (LCA) with MIG-21s. Light fighter aircraft flew to a height to indicate the departure of MIG-21s. Suryakaran Aerobatic team performed colorful aviation. Eventually, Six Mig-21 got a water cannon salute. After closing the engine, the pilot of the plane landed and handed its shape to the 700 Logbook Air Force Chief. The ceremony concluded with the release of a special day cover in memory of MIG-21. Rajnath Singh said that the legacy of MIG-21 will survive in search of India in the defense sector. The aircraft symbolizes the continuity of courage, discipline and patriotism, which will inspire the development of indigenous platforms such as LCA-Tejaj and emerging Advanced Medium Fighter Aircraft (AMCA). Spring Saga of MIG-21: Witness of the wars The ceremony was an opportunity to remember the MIG-21. From the 1965 war to Operation Sindoor, this plane has always been the strength of the country. During the ceremony, the air war between Jaguar and MIG-21 was linked to the Balakot attack in 2019, where wing commander Abhinandan Current killed a Pakistani F-16 of MIG-21. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that Mig-21 has long been a witness to many heroic works. Its role is not limited to one event or war. From the 1971 war to Kargil, from Balakot Air Strike to Operation Sindoor, MIG-21 gave a tremendous force to our powers. After joining the Air Force in 1963, Mig-21 changed the military history of India. It destroyed Pakistani bases in the 1965 war, which bombed the Dhaka Governor House in the 1971 war and killed a Pakistani F-16 in 2019. Today’s farewell is the end of an era. Tejas will become the new partner with the retirement of the last two MIG-21s, the Air Force now has 29 fighter jets, while the required is 42. The Air Force will now increase its power with LCA Tejas Mk1a, Tejas MK2 and new platforms. These aircraft are ready to meet the lack of MIG-21. The departure of MIG-21 is sad, but the story will always be remembered. This aircraft not only flew in the air, but also became immortal in defense of the country.