The Indian Air Force is set to bid farewell to its MiG-21 fighter jets this week, concluding a long era for the aircraft. The MiG-21’s service began in 1963, and since then, it has played a significant role in India’s air defense. The retirement ceremony, which includes a flypast, will occur at an airbase in Chandigarh, with the participation of senior officers and pilots who have flown the jet. The MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter in the Indian Air Force, with over 700 of these aircraft serving the nation. Many were manufactured in India. Now, with its retirement, the article explores what happens to these retired fighter jets. The text discusses the specific protocols that are followed once a fighter jet is decommissioned.
The MiG-21’s Farewell: A Look at the Retirement of an Indian Air Force Icon
By The Chhattisgarh1 Min Read