IAF MiG‑21 retirement 2025: Understand why the Indian Air Force will phase out MiG‑21 jets by September 2025, how Tejas Mk‑1A and AMCA will fill the gap, the impact on squadron strength, historical context, FAQs and exam-focused MCQs.
End of an Era – IAF to Retire MiG‑21 Jets by September 2025
Introduction: The Final Countdown Begins
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its iconic MiG‑21 fighter jets by September 19, 2025, marking the conclusion of over 62 years of service in India’s defence apparatus The formal decommissioning ceremony will be held at Chandigarh Air Force Station, featuring the final flight by the No. 23 Squadron “Panthers”, the last unit still operating MiG‑21 Bison aircraft
Operational Legacy and Combat Contributions
Commissioned in 1963, the MiG‑21 was India’s first supersonic fighter jet, going on to become the workhorse of the IAF across multiple conflicts—such as the 1965 and 1971 Indo‑Pak wars, the Kargil War (1999), and the 2019 Balakot strikes, where Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman famously piloted a MiG‑21 Bison before being shot down and captured by Pakistan
Safety Concerns and Controversies
Despite its combat pedigree, the MiG‑21 earned the grim nickname “Flying Coffin” due to its safety record—over 400 crashes, with approximately 200 pilot fatalities, along with civilian casualties in some incidents The aging airframes, lack of advanced systems, and maintenance challenges heightened these risks
Delayed Succession & Fleet Transition
Originally planned for phase‑out by 2022, the MiG‑21 fleet was retained much longer due to delays in induction of the indigenous Tejas Mk‑1A fighter jets. As of mid‑2025, HAL is expected to deliver at least six Tejas Mk‑1As by March 2026, gradually replacing the MiG fleet Defense experts flag that with the retirement of MiG‑21s, the IAF’s squadron strength may fall to 29 squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 units
Strategic Shift to Indigenous and Next‑Gen Aircraft
India’s air power transformation continues with increased focus on ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Plans are underway to procure 40–60 fifth‑generation fighters, such as the F‑35 or Su‑57, to bridge capability gaps until the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is operational Simultaneously, experts emphasize self-reliance: aviation scientist Kota Harinarayana asserts India is nearing full domestic fighter‑jet manufacturing capability, expecting to become a defence exporter soon
Why This News Is Important
Strategic Modernization
The retirement of the MiG‑21 signals a transformative shift in the IAF’s operational doctrine—from legacy Soviet-era platforms to modern, indigenously developed aircraft like the Tejas Mk‑1A and future AMCA. This aligns with India’s long-term goal of achieving defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
Operational and Strategic Implications
Phasing out the MiG-21 fleet exposes a critical capability gap, reducing squadron strength to as low as 29 units, compared to the sanctioned 42 squadrons, affecting readiness across sensitive borders. The move forces urgent acceleration of aircraft induction and modernization efforts
Symbolic Significance and Safety Transition
The MiG‑21 has been both a celebrated icon and safety concern. Its retirement underscores India’s shift toward safer and more reliable warplanes, bringing closure to a contentious chapter marked by numerous accidents and loss of pilots
Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
For competitive exams like PSCs, civil services, defence, banking, railways, teaching, and others, this news is crucial. Topics like defence modernization, Air Force capabilities, self‑reliance in defence manufacturing, and indigenous technological initiatives are high-yield areas in GS Paper III (Security & Defence) and related sections.
Historical Context: The MiG‑21’s Journey in India
Induction & Combat Era
In 1963, India inducted the MiG‑21, benefiting from transfer-of-technology from the Soviet Union. By the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the Indian Air Force had extensively integrated it into combat operations, and produced over 1,200 aircraft (including license-built HAL variants) over subsequent decades
Upgrades & Continued Relevance
From the late 1990s to early 2000s, the MiG‑21 Bison upgrade program enhanced avionics, radar systems, cockpit displays, and avionics, extending fleet life. Yet its airframe limitations—particularly engine performance and payload—remained unchanged, ultimately capping its operational utility
Safety Record & Postponed Retirement
Despite widespread use, the MiG‑21 became notorious, with over 400 crashes, as IAF repeatedly postponed its phase-out multiple times—from planned retirements in 2019, 2022, and beyond—due to delays in introducing Tejas and other platforms
Transition to Indigenous Aircraft
With Tejas Mk‑1A deliveries underway and AMCA in development, India is transitioning toward indigenously manufactured modern jets, moving away from reliance on aging Soviet-origin aircraft. This reflects broader national policy shifts toward local defence production and technology autonomy
Key Takeaways from MiG‑21 Retirement News
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | MiG‑21 will be formally retired from IAF service on September 19, 2025, with a ceremony at Chandigarh linking its legacy to No. 23 Squadron “Panthers” |
| 2. | It served for 62 years across major Indian conflicts—from 1965 and 1971 wars to the 2019 Balakot strike |
| 3. | Known as the “Flying Coffin”, MiG‑21 suffered over 400 crashes and nearly 200 pilot fatalities, raising significant safety concerns |
| 4. | Retirement was delayed repeatedly due to Tejas Mk‑1A procurement delays; only limited deliveries are now expected by March 2026 |
| 5. | India plans to fill capability gaps with Tejas Mk‑1A, importing 40–60 fifth-gen fighter jets, and accelerating development of the AMCA program under Atmanirbhar Bharat |
FAQs
What is the sanctioned squadron strength of the IAF and why does it matter?
42 squadrons—needed for two‑front preparedness and sustained deterrence against evolving threats.
When will the Indian Air Force retire the MiG‑21 fleet?
The IAF plans to retire all remaining MiG‑21 fighter jets by September 2025.
Why is the MiG‑21 retirement significant for India’s defence preparedness?
It ends the IAF’s dependence on a six‑decade‑old platform and accelerates the shift to modern and indigenous fighters like the Tejas Mk‑1A, impacting squadron strength and operational readiness.
Which aircraft is planned as the primary indigenous replacement for the MiG‑21?
The HAL Tejas Mk‑1A.
What was the MiG‑21 nicknamed and why?
It was often dubbed the “Flying Coffin” due to its high accident rate and pilot fatalities over the decades.
In which year was the MiG‑21 first inducted into the IAF?
1963.
How does the retirement affect the IAF’s squadron strength?
The retirement may temporarily depress squadron strength below the sanctioned 42, underlining the urgency of quick Tejas Mk‑1A induction and other acquisitions.
What major wars and operations did the MiG‑21 participate in?
The 1965 & 1971 Indo‑Pak wars, Kargil War (1999), and post‑2019 Balakot air combat episodes, among others.
What are the major modernization programs the IAF is banking on post‑MiG‑21?
Tejas Mk‑1A, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), upgrades to Su‑30MKI, and imports/foreign collaboration for 5th‑gen fighters if needed.
What policy push aligns with replacing MiG‑21s with Tejas?
Atmanirbhar Bharat / Make in India, emphasizing defence indigenization and technology sovereignty.
What is AMCA and why is it important?
AMCA is India’s proposed fifth‑generation stealth fighter program aimed at bridging capability gaps and ensuring long‑term technological autonomy.
Why didn’t the IAF retire the MiG‑21 earlier?
Delays in timely induction of replacements like Tejas Mk‑1A and the need to maintain minimum squadron strength postponed the timeline.
Which last active squadron(s) are/were operating MiG‑21s?
The final phase‑out involves the remaining MiG‑21 Bison squadrons, notably including units like No. 23 Squadron “Panthers” (as widely reported).
What exam sections can this topic be asked in?
UPSC GS Paper III (Security/Defence), CDS/AFCAT, CAPF, State PSCs, banking GA, and railways/defence current affairs.
What safety and technological limitations made the MiG‑21 outdated?
Ageing airframes, dated avionics, and safety concerns compared to modern multi‑role fighters with advanced sensors, avionics, and survivability features.
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