The sentinel of Indian skies for six decades, the MiG-21 has spanned three generations of pilots over this period. A remarkable flying machine, the MiG-21 provided the spectrum from the romanticism of the ‘dog-fight’ of the World War era to the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air battles of modern warfare. The seamless technology transition has provided a bridge for pilots who presently man the cockpits of Gen 4/Gen 4++ aircraft of the IAF. We proudly stand in solemn salute as the MiG-21 flies into the sunset in a blaze of glory.
– Air Marshal Sumit Mukerji
Today, 26 September 2025, a new chapter has been written in the history of military aviation, as the legendary MiG-21—the most widely produced, affordable, and longest-serving supersonic jet in history—bows out from the Indian Air Force after more than six decades of service. At its peak, India operated over 1,200 MiG-21s, or approximately 50 MiG-21 squadrons—each comprising around 16 to 18 MiG-21s—and was the largest operator of the aircraft outside the Soviet Union.
The MiG-21, developed by the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau, entered the Indian Air Force in 1963 as the first supersonic jet fighter capable of breaking the sound barrier. Its name, “MiG,” was derived from the surnames of its founders: Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich, while the number “21” indicated its place in the sequence of earlier models, such as the MiG-15, MiG-17, and MiG-19.
The MiG-21 is renowned worldwide for its remarkable longevity and extensive service record—an impressive feat for a supersonic fighter. While most of its Cold War peers now serve as museum exhibits, the MiG-21 remained operational in combat units, connecting generations of pilots as they transitioned from early second-generation jets to modern fifth-generation stealth fighters. Few aircraft in history have matched its enduring operational importance or left such a significant mark on military aviation.
Ambrosini SAI.207, an Italian aircraft, remained in operational service for less than two months before being sent for refurbishment. The Ki-100—a Japanese interceptor—was in service for only 158 days, or about five months, from March 1945 until Japan’s surrender in August 1945. Even the Folland Gnat, which formed the backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet during the 1965 and 1971 wars, and its upgraded version, the HAL Ajeet, had a relatively short service life and were retired early.
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter served with the U.S. Air Force for just over a decade from 1958 to 1969 before being retired. The Mirage III fighter aircraft, developed and manufactured by the French aircraft firm Dassault Aviation, was claimed to be the first Western European combat aircraft to exceed Mach 2 in horizontal flight. It was also phased out of most air forces by the 1990s. Similarly, the British Lightning, a twin-engine fighter designed for air-to-air combat, which served as the RAF’s primary interceptor throughout the 1960s and 1970s, had a short service span and was gradually replaced in the late 1980s.
Globally, no fighter from the MiG-21 era has matched its remarkable endurance. Over 11,000 MiG-21s were produced and operated by more than 60 countries, including China, Egypt, Romania, and Vietnam, making it one of the most widely built and flown fighter jets in history. From an economic perspective, its low cost, ease of maintenance, and adaptability made it an ideal choice for a growing air force in a developing nation. An upgraded MiG-21 Bison costs only Rs 45 crore, whereas other fighter aircraft cost between Rs 400 crore and Rs 800 crore. Mass production and a straightforward design contributed significantly to the low cost of the MiG-21MF fighter jet.
The MiG-21 was marketed as a highly manoeuvrable, lightweight, supersonic jet capable of holding its own against many Western fighters, such as the F-104 Starfighter and the Mirage III. The MiG-21’s main strengths were its speed, reliability, and simplicity. In fact, the F-16 was designed to counter the MiG-21. Its excellent rate of climb meant it could outperform most other aircraft, except, of course, the MiG-29, which is a dedicated interceptor and one of the best in the world at that time. The MiG-21 also demonstrated a very good rate of turn and acceleration, along with a rugged and powerful engine capable of withstanding harsh conditions — from deserts to high altitudes. Its remarkable agility enabled it to outturn many of its contemporaries. Its small size and high thrust-to-weight ratio made it challenging to detect and highly effective in dogfights. Its adaptability, successive upgrades, improvements in avionics, and weapon integrations have helped it remain relevant well beyond its original design era.
Even decades later, upgraded versions like the MiG-21 Bison remained relevant with modern avionics and missiles. Although, of course, by today’s standards, it cannot be compared to 4th and 5th generation fighters with advanced radars, electronic warfare, and stealth, no other aircraft in history can match the MiG-21 in terms of sheer longevity, global footprint, and impact on air combat. It was never intended to be the most sophisticated jet, but it was dependable and lethal in the hands of skilled pilots. It provided many air forces, including India’s, with an affordable supersonic punch for over 50 years.
Goodbye, grand old warrior -the MiG-21. For 62 years, you stood tall and proved your mettle—from the 1965 and 1971 wars to Kargil, Balakot, and Sindoor. You shaped generations of fighter pilots, serving as both mentor and backbone of the IAF—its first true love. The IAF moves on; your spirit forever soars…
Air Marshal PK Roy
The induction of the MiG-21 clearly demonstrated India’s intention to modernise its military, keep pace with global advancements in aviation, and transition from a reactive to a proactive air defence for high-speed aerial combat. The MiG-21’s speed, manoeuvrability, and rapid climb rate provided Indian pilots with a decisive advantage in interception, opening new opportunities in aerial combat and deterrence across the subcontinent. It not only transformed the IAF’s operational doctrine but also laid the foundation for indigenous aerospace development through licensed production and upgrades by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The MiG-21 was designed to defend Indian airspace by engaging enemy aircraft as an interceptor. Its primary role was to quickly ascend, intercept, and neutralise enemy aircraft — especially bombers – that threatened Indian airspace. For this very reason, it was also called a dash interceptor because it could rapidly take off, climb, accelerate, and engage enemy aircraft at supersonic speeds. Speed and reaction time were its most significant advantages.
During the 1965 war, it was still in the early stages of service. Only a few squadrons were available, so their role was limited to air defence and rapid interception rather than full combat operations. Over the decades, it underwent modifications and was equipped with gun pods. It also began carrying bombs and rockets on its wings.
In the 1971 war, the MiG-21 demonstrated its speed, agility, and manoeuvrability in dogfights. Over time, upgrades such as the MiG-21 Bison incorporated improved avionics, radar, and weapons, enabling it to undertake multi-role missions — including ground attack, reconnaissance, and even precision strikes. In 1999, during the Kargil conflict, the upgraded MiG-21 Bison was widely utilised for bombing runs in high-altitude terrain under extremely challenging conditions.
A limitation of the MiG-21 was its limited fuel capacity and endurance, which resulted in a shorter range and loiter time. This restricted its utility during extended missions. Its avionics were basic compared to Western fighters, and its radar had limitations. Maintenance became increasingly complex after the Soviet Union ceased production in 1985, making spare parts scarce and costly. Low-speed take-offs and landings were quite demanding, especially for young pilots. Its high landing speed, limited cockpit visibility, and narrow safety margins made it particularly unforgiving for inexperienced pilots. However, in the hands of an experienced pilot, it was a cherished machine.
Historically, the MiG-21’s legacy transcends its operational statistics. Few aircraft in aviation history have flown as long, fought as fiercely, or meant as much. The MiG-21 may no longer streak across Indian skies, but its legacy will endure—in the memories of pilots and in the annals of military history. For many, it was more than just a machine—a mentor, a symbol of pride, and a guardian of the skies.
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