The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally grounded its MiG-21 fighter fleet, ending an era that spanned six decades.
The formal grounding ceremony of the aircraft will be held at the Chandigarh airbase on September 16.
Introduced in 1963, the Soviet-made MiG-21 was once considered a symbol of India’s air power and was the backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades.
However, it later came to be known as the ‘flying coffin’ as the aircraft was involved in several accidents. According to reports, more than 200 pilots have lost their lives in these accidents.
Despite its poor safety record, the MiG-21 played a key role in several important military operations, including the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the 1999 Kargil war.
Serving far beyond its expected lifespan is a testament to how reliable the aircraft was initially and how expertly the Indian Air Force maintained it.
The MiG-21 is being grounded at a time when the Indian Air Force is equipping its fleet with modern aircraft like Rafale, Tejas and Su-30M.
The decision reflects a shift in India’s defence strategy, which aims to have a more effective and modern air force in a complex regional security environment.
The farewell ceremony in Chandigarh will pay tribute to the history and services of the MiG-21, which has been a milestone in building India’s air power.
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