On 19 September 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to say goodbye to its oldest and historical fighter aircraft MiG-21. 23 Squadron (Panthers) at Chandigarh Airbase will bid farewell to this aircraft in a special ceremony. MiG-21 was the first supersonic jet in India for the first time in 1963, which strengthened the country’s aerial strength for 62 years.
Due to age and frequent accidents, it also came to be called ‘Udta Coffin’. Now with its retirement, the power of the Air Force will be reduced to 29 squadrons, which is less than the time of the 1965 war. Come, let’s understand what is the story of MiG-21. Why is it being retired? What difficulties have the delay of Tejas MK1A created.
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MiG-21: India’s first supersonic jet
The MiG-21 was a fighter aircraft built by the Soviet Union (now Russia), which was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963. It was India’s first supersonic jet, that is, it could fly faster than the speed of sound. At that time this aircraft was a symbol of India’s aerial strength.
874 MiG-21 aircraft were inducted into the Air Force, out of which about 600 were built in India. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) licensed him.
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MiG-21 participated in many major wars …
- India-Pakistan War of 1965: MiG-21 took part in the war for the first time. Competition to Pakistani aircraft.
- Battle of 1971: MiG-21 played an important role in the independence of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). It made accurate attacks on Pakistani bases.
- Kargil War of 1999: By flying at night, he broke the power of the enemy. At that time the pilots attacked with simple GPS and stopwatch.
- Balakot attack of 2019: MiG-21 Bison killed Pakistani F-16. Group Captain Abhinandan Current did this feat by blowing MiG-21.
- Operation of 2025 Sindoor: MiG-21 participated for the last time in response to Pahalgam terror attack.
But over time MiG-21 became old. Its last version, MiG-21 Bison, was upgraded to 2000, adding new radars, missiles and helmet-mounted sites. Nevertheless, the shortcomings of its age and design were revealed.
Why was the ‘flying coffin’?
The record of MiG-21 was excellent, but in the last few decades, its accidents defamed it. In the last 60 years, more than 400 MiG-21 crashed, in which more than 200 pilots died. Even after 2010, more than 20 aircraft crashed. There were reasons for these accidents …
- Old Design: MiG-21 is the 1950-60s aircraft, which became old in front of today’s technology.
- Maintenance problems: Maintenance was difficult due to old parts and technology.
- Pilot’s mistake: Some accidents occurred due to lack of pilots’ mistakes or training.
- Bird Strike: There were also incidents of collision with birds.
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Due to these accidents, MiG-21 was called ‘Flying Coffin’ or ‘Udta Coffin’. However, some experts say that the number of MiG-21 was more (874 aircraft), so the number of accidents also seems more. Its old and security concerns made it necessary to retire it.
MiG-21 farewell plan
The Indian Air Force has decided to retire all MiG-21 by 2025. Earlier it had four squadrons, but now there are only two left …
- Number 3 squadron (cobras): Posted in Bikaner (Nal Airbase).
- Number 23 squadron (panthers): Posted in Suratgarh, which is now retiring in Chandigarh on 19 September.
The first number 4 squadron (Urics) and Number 51 Squadron (Sword Arms) have retired in 2022-23. Now the remaining 26-31 MiG-21 bison will retire by the end of 2025. The 23 squadron celebrations in Chandigarh will be a symbol of the last flight of MiG-21.
Tejas MK1A delayed increased difficulty
MiG-21 was planned to replace LCA Tejas MK1A. Tejas is the indigenous fighter aircraft of India, which was created by HAL and ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency). But the delay in delivery of Tejas forced MiG-21 to fly for a long time.
Why delay?
Engine shortage: Tejas MK1A has a Ge F404 engine, which comes from America. The delivery of the engine started in March 2025 instead of March 2024 due to the problems of the supply chain. So far only two engines have come. Two engines are expected to be found every month by March 2026.
Delay in production: HAL prepared 6 Tejas MK1A, but they are grounded due to lack of engine. HAL has started production line of 16 aircraft in Bangalore and 24 in Nashik.
Certification: Tejas MK1A added new systems (eg AESA radar, electronic warfare systems), which took time to testing. The first flight took place in March 2024.
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Tejas MK1A features
- Indigenous technology: It has 50-60% indigenous parts. Future will be the best AESA radar (made in India).
- advanced System: The new radar, missiles and electronic warfare systems make it many times better than MiG-21.
- Security: So far, only one accident of Tejas has happened, which is much better than the record of MiG-21.
The Air Force gave an order of Rs 48,000 crore for 83 Tejas MK1A in 2021. There are plans to order 97 more jets. Overall, 220 Tejas will create 10 squadrons. But due to delay in delivery, MiG-21 had to fly by 2025.
29 squadron: Air Force’s biggest concern
With the retirement of MiG-21, the Air Force will have only 29 squadrons, which is less than the 1965 war (30 squadrons). The Air Force needs 42 squadrons. A squadron consists of 16–18 aircraft, and so low squadron can affect India’s aerial strength, especially when …
- Pakistan is planning to include its J-35 fighter jets (from China) by 2025.
- China is working on 6th generation jets.
The Air Force currently has aircraft like Sukhoi-30 MKI, Rafael, Mirage-20 and Tejas MK1, but their number is less than necessary. MiG-29, Mirage-20000 and Jaguar will also start retiring by 2030, which will increase the pressure further.
How will this gap be filled?
The Air Force is taking several steps to meet this deficiency …
- Tejas mk1a: The target is to deliver 16 aircraft every year by 2026. The first squadron at Nal Airbase (Bikaner) will start from July 2026.
- Tejas mk2: This is a large and more powerful aircraft, which will replace Mirage-20000. Its first prototype will be ready by the end of 2025. The production will start from 2029.
- MRFA (Multi-Roll Fighter Aircraft): There are plans to procure 114 new aircraft, including aircraft like Rafael, F/A-18 and Eurofighter.
- AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft): 5th generation indigenous stealth jet, which will be ready by 2035.
- Drone and Satellites: The Air Force is taking satellites from startups like 30-50 drones and pixels.
Heritage of MiG-21
MiG-21 gave India many historic victories. It gave 6 Indian Air Force Chiefs (4 India, 2 Pakistan) and the first squadron to include women pilots was also the same. It also gave pilot training to countries like Iraq. But its accidents and old design made it necessary to retire.
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