India : The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its legendary MiG-21 fighter jet on September 26, marking the end of nearly six decades of distinguished service. Fondly known as the “backbone of the IAF,” the MiG-21 has been a cornerstone of India’s air power, training generations of pilots and earning a reputation as a war-tested supersonic fighter.
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 first saw action with the 28 Squadron, nicknamed the “First Supersonics,” and has participated in multiple wars and operations, including the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Kargil conflict, and recent engagements where it demonstrated its unmatched agility and combat effectiveness. From shooting down F-104s in 1971 to engaging F-16s in 2019, the MiG-21 has proven its versatility and reliability time and again.
In a tribute posted on X, the IAF described the MiG-21 as a “warhorse that carried the pride of a nation into the skies,” highlighting its pivotal role in shaping India’s aerial combat strategy. Beyond its operational achievements, the jet has also been instrumental in advancing India’s aerospace technology and manufacturing capabilities.
With its retirement, the IAF will transition to modern platforms like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A, ushering in a new era of fighter aviation while honoring the unmatched legacy of the MiG-21.