The Indian Air Force has retired its oldest fighter aircraft, the MiG-21, after 62 years of glorious service. It was given a water cannon salute at a farewell ceremony in Chandigarh. The aircraft, which played a key role in everything from the 1971 war to the 2019 Balakot strike, will now be replaced by the indigenous Tejas.

MiG-21 Retirement: A golden chapter in the history of the Indian Air Force came to an end today. The MiG-21, the fighter aircraft that protected Indian skies for six decades, instilled fear in the hearts of enemies, and witnessed countless wars, was retired today. This supersonic warrior was given a final farewell in a grand ceremony at Chandigarh Airbase. This aircraft played a crucial role in India's victory in every war, from 1965 to the 2019 Balakot air strike.

Grand farewell, last flight and water cannon salute

The farewell ceremony held in Chandigarh was a special one. Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh himself flew the last sortie of a fleet of six MiG-21s. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma also joined the historic flight, making history by becoming the last female pilot to fly the MiG-21.

#WATCH | Chandigarh | MIG-21 aircraft flies in formation with indigenous Tejas Aircraft, giving out the message 'I hand over the glory to the next lineage'.

MiG-21s were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, and will be decommissioned today after 63 years of service. pic.twitter.com/pXwDmDb5fx

— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025

MiG-21 given water cannon salute

#WATCH | Chandigarh | MiG-21s receive a water gun salute as they decommission after 63 years in service. pic.twitter.com/cPWLHBDdzs

— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025

As these aircraft landed after completing their final flight, they were given a "water cannon salute" with a cannon of water. This honor was given to the valiant aircrew who served the nation for 62 years. Witnessing this emotional moment were Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the three armed forces.

#WATCH | Chandigarh | Chief of Air Force, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew the last sortie of the MIG-21 as the aircraft fleet decommissions today.

MiG-21s were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, and will be decommissioned today after 63 years of service. pic.twitter.com/sSIXLfwmdc

— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025

Whenever the enemy challenged, the MiG-21 gave a befitting reply

The MiG-21 wasn't just a fighter aircraft; it was the "backbone" of the Indian Air Force. Acquired from Soviet Russia in 1963, it was India's first supersonic jet, meaning it could fly faster than the speed of sound. Its strength can be gauged from the fact that it defeated its enemies in every major battle.

Indian Air Force pilot who flew the MiG-21 fighter jet for the last time

• 1971 War: The MiG-21 proved to be a game-changer in this war. It destroyed several Pakistani airbases and scripted India's victory.
• 1999 Kargil War: MiG-21s hunted down and destroyed enemy positions hidden in the high and inaccessible hills of Kargil. This proved that its lethal capability, even at high altitudes, was unmatched.
• 2019 Balakot Air Strike: This was the moment when the world once again acknowledged the might of the MiG-21. Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman shot down Pakistan's modern F-16 aircraft with this old MiG-21 Bison.

#WATCH | Chandigarh | The decommissioning ceremony of the Indian Air Force's MIG-21 fighter aircraft fleet is underway. pic.twitter.com/YTUGpRaLKW

— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2025

Also related to controversies

Despite its illustrious service, the MiG-21 has not been without controversy. Over the past few decades, it has been involved in numerous accidents, claiming the lives of several pilots. The safety record of its aging fleet has also been questioned, and it has even been tragically dubbed the "Flying Coffin."

Now 'Tejas' will take over the command

The retirement of the MiG-21 marks the end of an era. It will now be replaced by the Tejas, an Indian-built fighter aircraft, the LCA Mark 1A. This marks a major step towards the modernization of the Air Force.

Even though the MiG-21 is no longer in service today, its contribution will always be etched in golden letters in the history of the Indian Air Force. It was a warrior who defended the country until its last breath.

 PC:Latestly