“It was the darling of fighter pilots,” Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, the most recent Air Chief who had commanded a MiG-21 squadron to have retired, quipped on the venerable fighter jet that made its last operational flight at Chandigarh today after serving the IAF for 62 long years.
As scores of serving officers and veterans, who had been associated with the MiG-21, touched base at Chandigarh for the ceremony marking the culmination of the aircraft’s operational flying, bonhomie and nostalgia flowed in endless measure, and fond memories and old associations were revived.
ACM Dhanoa had commanded a MiG-21 squadron during the 1999 Kargil conflict and among the missions he flew was a covert sortie along the Line of Control carrying the then Chief of Air Staff, ACM AY Tipnis, to assess the battle situation.
ACM Tipnis, who served in No. 28 Squadron, the fist MiG-21 unit as a young officer and later commanded No. 23 Squadron, the last squadron to operate this aircraft, and was present at the ceremony, had said in a podcast released by the IAF that “the MiG-21 taught us how to be innovative and produce results”. He said IAF pilots used their agility with adaptability, because it was built for high altitude flying, but the IAF started using it for strike purposes which spoke tremendously for the IAF.
Group Captain Shubhansu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to have visited the International Space Station, said he had flown different versions of the MiG-21 in the earlier days of his career and had fond memories of the aircraft. Expressing nostalgia at the event, he said the MiG-21 was an important part of his aviation career and the aircraft had taught him a lot.
Among the attendees was Air Cmde Tapas Kumar Das. At 91, he was the oldest MiG-21 pilot to make it to the occasion. Having taken part in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, he termed the MiG-21 as a “beautiful toy”.
“In the early days, the aircraft did not have any guns and was armed with two air-to-air missiles. We were full of enthusiasm because of the capability of the missiles,” he added. He had commanded No. 18 Squadron and No. 47 Squadron.
“It was a lovable machine with amazing characteristics, just like a sports car with an unbelievable power to weight ratio,” said a former test pilot who was the first to evaluate locally overhauled MiG-21s. “I was fortunate to have flown it and my love for flying overcame any fear of flying,” he added.
“Though my flying with the MiG-21 was limited as compared to my peers, I can never forget the experience. I often wake up after a dream of flying the MiG 21 and it shows how embedded the aircraft is in the minds and hearts of pilots,” said Gp Capt Tarun Kumar, who also served with No. 23 Squadron. “It is an awesome machine and its last encounter against Pakistan after the Balakot airstrikes shows that it has proven its worth,” he added.
“For any pilot, every day is a different day. It is a constantly learning process,” said Air Cmde SS Tyagi (retd), who has logged 4,300 hours on the MiG 21, among the highest for any pilot on this type. For the pilots, the MiG-21 was a demanding yet reliable aircraft that rewarded skill and punished carelessness.
HE MiG-21’s final flight over Chandigarh on September 26 symbolised more than the retirement of an aircraft; it marked a transition in how India must think about air power. For decades, this Soviet-era fighter was more than a machine — it was a statement of intent by a young nation eager to secure its skies. Its endurance reflected India’s ability to stretch limited resources, but also the tendency to delay modernisation until crises forced change. The MiG’s twilight years exposed those vulnerabilities. The jet’s longevity became its weakness. Over 300 crashes and repeated technical snags turned it into the dreaded ‘flying coffin’.
Culmination ceremony of the MiG-20 at the Air Force station in Chandigarh on Friday. Tribune photo: Ravi Kumar
In the backdrop of Russia making a pitch for manufacturing the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter in India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the MiG-21 fighter, which finally retired today, was not just an aircraft or a machine but a powerful example of the deep relations between India and Russia.Speaking at a ceremony held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station to mark the culmination of the operational flying by MiG-21 after serving for 62 years, the Defence Minister said that the aircraft was a mighty machine, national pride and a defence shield that shaped the nation’s confidence and inspired generations of air warriors.
“The MiG-21 performed far better than the expectations of both the sellers and buyers The design on which this jet was built in the 1950s was the best according to the technology of that time. Over time, state-of-the-art systems were added to it. This is the reason why MiG-21 continued to earn the trust and respect of our air force for such a long time,” he said.
He pointed out that while the MiG-21’s journey began in 1963, the aircraft that were inducted in the 1960s and 1970s have long been retired from service and the MiG-21s that were flying until now were at least 40 years old — completely normal by the standards of such aircraft: “In many countries, such fighter jets are kept active for just that much time. But a special thing about MiG-21 is that it has been kept technically updated all the time,” he said.
The Defence Minister said that as an interceptor, MiG-21 served to stop the enemy. In the ground attack, it demonstrated its aggressive capability. As an air defence fighter, it protected the skies and also trained countless air warriors as a trainer aircraft.
Rt
“The point is that with every flight, the MiG-21 has further strengthened India’s future: The highly skilled fighter pilots of today owe their foundation, in some way, to MiG-21. This is why the MiG-21 has always stood by us like a charioteer in India’s security journey. “MiG-21 has taught us not to fear change, but to harness new energy from it and move forward,” he added.
Stating that the chapter of MiG-21 in the history of the Indian Air Force will be written in letters of gold, Rajnath said that as we bid farewell to this glorious chapter, it is also a tribute to the countless heroes whose sacrifices have made this machine a living legacy. “Their contribution will forever remain immortal in our memory,” he said.
“We are also taking this assurance that in the coming tomorrow, our new generation will take defence manufacturing and air power to even greater heights with the same spirit. I am confident that in the times to come, when the world looks at India, it will say this is the country that started with MiG-21 and today is the leader of the world in future technology,” Rajnath said.
“We must not allow this legacy to break. The contribution of MiG-21 is not just history, it is a lesson, it is DNA, which will take us forward. We must consider the success of LCA-Tejas as the beginning of our next mission; and infuse this confidence into the upcoming fighter aircraft, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft and other programmes that India can overcome every challenge,” he added.
MiG-21 was inducted into the IAF at Chandigarh in 1963 with No.28 Squadron, the First Supersonics, then commanded by Wg Cdr Dilbagh Singh who later rose to become Chief of the Air Staff.
The last operational sortie today was by the present Air Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, with the call sign Badal-3, who was joined in the final flypast by pilots of No.23 Squadron, the Panthers, the last unit operating the MiG-21.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Navy Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, several former Air Chief, including Air Chief Marshals AY Tipniis, S Krishnaswamy, SP Tyagi and BS Dhanoa, as well as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station, were among a large number of serving and retired officers associated with MiG-21 to be present.
Gp Capt Shukla has been a MiG-21 pilot and has flown various variants of the fighter before converting to other aircraft.
MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter inducted into the IAF, and over 870 were procured, with many being manufactured locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. They formed the backbone of the IAF combat fleet for decades and played critical roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Balakot airstrike. MiG-21s are being replaced by the indigenous Tejas.
india’s first supersonic fighter, Mig-21 officially retired on Friday after 62 years of unmatched service, marking the end of an era in Indian military aviation and celebrating its legacy of valour and Indo-Russian partnership. The decommissioning ceremony, held at the Candigarh Air Force Station, brought together air warriors, defence officials and dignitaries to pay tribute to the legendary aircraft that has been the backbone of India’s combat fleet since the 1960s. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the gathering, described the MiG 21 as far more than just a machine. “MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or a machine but it is also a proof of deep ties between India and Russia,” he said.He recalled the aircraft’s contributions across decades, highlighting its role in major conflicts such as the 1971 war with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict, the 2019 Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor. He emphasised that the jet has been a silent witness to numerous heroic acts by the Indian armed forces, each sortie re inforcing the nation’s confidence and honour. The MiG-21’s history is closely tied to India’s strategic partnership with Russia. The minister noted that the aircraft not only strengthened the IAF’s combat capability but also served as a symbol of enduring bilateral relations.Over 11,500 MiG-21s were produced worldwide, with 850 serving in the Indian Air Force alone, demonstrating the jet’s global popu larity, reliability and versatility. Its remarkable production numbers and widespread adoption are a testament to the aircraft’s multi-dimensional capabilities and enduring relevance over decades. Inducted into the IAF in the early 1960s, the MiG-21 catapulted India into the jet age, be coming the nation’s first supersonic fighter and interceptor. Over its 62-year operational journey, it not only enhanced India’s aerial combat prow ess but also created a lasting legacy of bravery, sacrifice and technical excellence.The farewell ceremony witnessed the last operational sortie of the MiG-21, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flying the final flight of the Number 23 Squadron “Panthers,” under the call sign Badal 3. This poi gnant moment marked not just the retirement of a fighter jet, but a farewell to decades of shared memories, national pride and the stories of cour age that defined generations of air warriors.The decommissioning of the MiG-21 is more than the retirement of an aircraft. It is the closing of a remarkable chapter in Indian military history. For over 60 years, this legendary fighter jet has embodied valour, technical brilliance and the deep bonds between India and Russia. As the IAF moves forward with modern aircraft, the MiG-21 will remain a symbol of national pride and a shining example of courage and excellence in military aviation. SPIRITUAL WORL
The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet for more than six decades, streaked through Indian skies for the last time on Friday — its final adieu edged in history and many a remembrance.
Describing the MiG-21 as a mighty machine and a national pride, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there was a deep attachment to the aircraft that shaped the country’s confidence.
He was speaking at the decommissioning event in Chandigarh, where it was first inducted.
“MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties,” the minister said.
“The history of military aviation is incredible. The MiG 21 added many proud moments in our military aviation journey,” Singh told the gathering.
Former IAF chiefs AY Tipnis, SP Tyagi and BS Dhanoa, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first man on the International Space Station, besides scores of veterans, many who had piloted the aircraft, were present on the occasion.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew the sortie of the MiG-21 Bison aircraft with call sign Badal 3. Dilbagh Singh, who became the IAF chief in 1981, led the first MiG-21 Squadron here in 1963.
The culmination of MiG-21 operations took place with a ceremonial flypast at the event, marking the closure of a historic chapter in India’s air power.
The ceremony began with the arrival of the Defence Minister, the chief guest at the occasion, followed by a spectacular display by IAF’s elite skydiving team ‘Akash Ganga’, which skydived from a height of 8,000 feet.
This was followed by a majestic flypast of the MiG-21 aircraft accompanied by precision of the air warrior drill team and an aerial salute.
The fighter pilots flew MiG-21s in the three-aircraft Badal formation and the four-aircraft Panther formation roared over the skies one final time.
The Surya Kiran aerobatic team also enthralled the audience with their breathtaking manoeuvres.
MiG-21 jets, belonging to number 23 Squadron, took part in the flypast ceremony, and were given a water cannon salute.
The Jaguar and the Tejas aircrafts also took part in the ceremony.
After its first induction, the IAF procured over 870 MiG-21s to boost its overall combat prowess.
The supersonic jets were the dominant platforms during 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. The aircraft also played a key role in the 1999 Kargil conflict as well as the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
The aircraft has also had a troubled safety record and was involved in multiple crashes in the last six decades. The ageing fleet prompted some to describe the aircraft as “legacy coffins”.
The MiG-21 jets made their last operational flights at the Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan’s Bikaner, a month ahead of the formal retirement ceremony.
As part of the symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal Singh had also flown solo sorties of the MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19. — With PTI
September 26, 2025 12:36 pm
September 26, 2025 12:18 pm
Squadron leader SS Tyagi, known for the highest flying hours onboard the plane, gave MiG-21 80 per cent credit for the victory in the 1971 war. Tyagi said that the iconic figher planes had conducted rocketry, gunnery, and dropped bombs during the 1971 war. “We passed on our learnings to our juniors. Amid all the lessons and training, my flying hours kept increasing. I had never thought I had to reach this milestone… We didnt have many aircraft in 1965… MiG-21 actually participated in a war in 1971, where it did rocketry, gunnery, dropped bombs, and achieved various targets in Dhaka… I would give 80% of the credit to MIG-21 for our victory in 1971…” Tyagi said.
September 26, 2025 12:13 pm
September 26, 2025 12:09 pm
Chandigarh begins ceremonial farewell to the Indian Air Force’s MiG-21 fighter jet on September 26 at the Air Force Station, the Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for the general public.
The man who fell into the sea from an Indian vessel anchored near the Maldives capital has been found dead on Friday, authorities confirmed here.
According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the man’s body was recovered in the southern waters of K Feydhoofinolhu by the MNDF Coast Guard Second Squadron under Male’ Area Command, news portal Edition.mv said.
The incident was reported at 11.35 pm on September 22 from the Indian ship MSV Doula, when one of the crew members was reported missing and believed to have fallen overboard near Vilimale.
The body has since been handed over to the Maldives Police Service for further investigation, the report said.
The search operation was conducted by both sea and air, it added.The MNDF did not identify the Indian national.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was on Friday extended for six months in entire Manipur, except the jurisdiction of 13 police stations, in view of the prevailing law and order situation there.
The AFSPA, under which a particular state or some areas are declared “disturbed”, has also been extended to nine districts in Nagaland and 21 police station areas in five other districts of the state for six months, according to a notification issued by the Union home ministry.
The law was also extended to Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and three police station areas, bordering Assam, in Namsai district in the state.
The extension of the disturbed area in the particular areas in the three states will be effective from October 1 for six months.
The AFSPA, often criticised as a draconian law, gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary.
“And whereas, a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Manipur has been undertaken. Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958), the entire State of Manipur, excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the following 13 police stations of five districts, is declared as ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from 01.10.2025, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification related to Manipur read.
The police station areas where the AFSPA will not be in force in Manipur are: Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi in Imphal West district, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung in Imphal East district, Thoubal in Thoubal district and Bishnupur and Nambol in Bishnupur district and Kakching in Kakching district.
Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who was heading a BJP-led government, resigned on February 9 following ethnic violence that claimed over 260 lives since May 2023.
The disturbed area declaration was in force in entire Manipur (except Imphal municipality area) since 2004 till early 2022.
In April, 2022, the Manipur government had issued a notification where it said that the disturbed area will no longer be applicable in seven police station areas of Imphal West district, four police station areas under Imphal East district and one police station area each in the districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching and Jiribam.
At that time, there were 16 districts in Manipur.
In October 2024, the Manipur government reimposed AFSPA in the entire state, barring 19 police station areas. A month later, the AFSPA was also extended in six of the 19 police station areas after violence broke out in Jiribam district.
More than 260 people were killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
In a separate notification, the home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland has been undertaken.
After that, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Meluri districts in Nagaland were declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (SpecialPowers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier.
The government also declared that areas falling within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District;ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District, will continued to be notified as ‘disturbed area’ under the AFSPA for six more months with effect from October 1.
A third notification issued by the home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh has also been undertaken.
Now, therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Assam, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2025, unless withdrawn earlier, the notification said.
There have been protests and demands for the complete withdrawal of the law from the Northeast as well as Jammu and Kashmir for its alleged “draconian” provisions.
Manipuri activist Irom Chanu Sharmila fought against the law by remaining on hunger strike for 16 years, before ending it on August 9 in 2016.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said the AFSPA has been removed in 70 per cent areas in the northeastern states even though it is in force in Jammu and Kashmi
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Gursharan Kaur, wife of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during the inauguration of the Dr Manmohan Singh Research Centre and Library at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday. PTI
On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday offered tributes, hailing his role in shaping India’s economy and recalling his personal qualities of humility and integrity.
Dr Manmohan Singh Research Centre and Library was also inaugurated on Friday at Indira Bhawan, Congress headquarters, here, in the presence of Kharge, CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi, LoP Rahul Gandhi and Singh’s wife Gursharan Kaur.
Kharge, in a message on X, said, “We remember the contribution of Manmohan Singh in nation building. He was a gentle architect of India’s economic transformation.” He praised Singh as “a man of humility and wisdom” whose reforms created opportunities, expanded the middle class and lifted millions out of poverty.
He added that Singh’s approach to governance combined fairness with inclusivity, noting that his welfare policies touched the lives of millions. “His leadership showed us that integrity in public life is not just possible, but powerful,” Kharge wrote. Calling him an “enduring symbol of honesty, intellect and selfless service to the nation,” the Congress chief said Singh’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Rahul also paid homage, remembering Singh as a leader whose vision and courage shaped modern India.
“His unwavering commitment to nation-building, his bold decisions for the poor and deprived and his historic contribution to building a strong economy will continue to guide us. His simplicity, humility and integrity are an inspiration for all of us,” Rahul wrote on X.
Singh was born in 1932 in Gah, a village now in Pakistan. Trained as an economist, he rose from modest beginnings to hold some of India’s most important offices. As Finance Minister in the PV Narasimha Rao government between 1991 and 1996, he introduced reforms that loosened state control over the economy and opened new sectors to competition. He went on to serve as Prime Minister for two terms, from 2004 to 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. Singh passed away in December last year.
