The Indian Air Force MiG-21 aircraft, which was the first supersonic fighter aircraft in the country, will roar in the sky on Friday (26 September 2025). In the 1960s, the Air Force jumped into the jet era from its inception. It is retiring after 62 years of service. But the most emotional farewell will be of its pilots, who flew it for decades. This aircraft became an example of bravery in wars.
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Pilots’ initial difficulties: Russian language and new technology
Former Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AY Tipnis (Retired) recalled in a podcast how many challenges were there in the beginning of MiG-21. He became a fighter pilot in 1960 and soon joined the MiG-21 squadron. In 1977, he became the commanding officer of the number 23 squadron.
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Tipnis said that when MiG-21 came, the first model was Type-74. There was no trainer aircraft. The first solo flight itself had to be done on MiG-21. The difficulty was that there was neither a trainer nor simulator. Everything was written in Russian language in the cockpit, nothing in English.
The speed measuring unit also changed. The first measured in knots, now kilometers per hour. Tipnis said that we were accustomed to notes, so the first solo wandered in flight. While returning, you would understand how to handle.
He said that in MiG-21 we used to fly wearing space suits. Yuri Gagarin wore the same suit in space. The neck could not turn from one side to the other.
Farewell ceremony: presence of six former chiefs in Chandigarh
Six former Air Force chiefs including Tipnis will come to this ceremony to be held at Chandigarh Air Force Station. These include S Krishnaswamy, SP Tyagi, PV Nayak, BS Dhanoa and RKS Bhadauria. It was here that MiG-21 started 60 years ago.
Number 23 Squadron, called Panthers, will get farewell to its last MiG-21. Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew Solo from Nal Air Base on August 18-19, which was a emotional moment.
No flying coffin, brave of wars
Due to many accidents, some people call it flying coffin. But a former pilot said on the condition of anonymity that the use of such words is not right. This breaks the morale of the families of the pilots. Tipnis reported that MiG-21 took part in the wars of 1965 and 1971.
In the 1999 Kargil war, Tipnis took over the command of Operation White Sea. It was also involved in the 2019 Balakot strike. A former pilot said that this aircraft was made to fly at height, but we used it for an attack. It was a big achievement to fly at low height at night.
Also read: MiG-21 history is not the only accident … there is a long series of valor and victory
Heritage: Aircraft defined by generations
Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (Retired) said that MiG-21 has been the backbone of the Air Force for 60 years. Trusted companions in war, pilots’ examination field.
Group Captain Nanda Rajendra, Commanding Officer of No. 23 Squadron said that he was the most advanced fighter in the wars of 1965 and 1971. Operation was also ready in vermilion.
Former chief PC Lal had said that MiG-21 gave the Air Force such wings, which were never before. On Friday, these aircraft will fly with history. Pilots’ stories will be immortal.
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