The Indian Air Force’s famous fighter aircraft MiG-21 is now retiring from the warships. On 26 September 2025, it was farewell with a grand ceremony in Chandigarh. This aircraft was engaged in protecting the country for 62 years.
The last two squadron – number 23 (panthers) and number 3 (cobras) – had around 28 MiG -21 bison aircraft. Due to their retirement, the Air Force has now survived 29 fighter squadron, while the need is 42. But the question is, what will be the next of these retired jets? These will not be thrown in the junkyard. Rather, their new life will be found in museums, educational institutions and training centers.
ALSO READ: India’s first supersonic jet, history of valor in war, 60 years … MiG-21 in Farewell Photos
MiG-21 Retirement: End of one round
The MiG-21 was the first supersonic jet created by the Soviet Union, flying in India since 1963. A total of 874 MiG-21 were purchased. It had shown bravery in 1965 and 1971 wars, Kargil (1999) and Balakot (2019). But due to old and accidents, it is now retiring.
Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew the last solo at Chandigarh Air Base. Farewell with water salute and flypast. Now these jets are out of frontline duty.
ALSO READ: Mig-21 had to fly wearing spacesuits like Yuri Gagarin, Russian coding used to be brought up by pilots!
What will happen after retirement of MiG-21?
The MiG-21 Bisan aircraft will fly Nal airbase from Chandigarh after 26 September. After retirement, the number 3 squadron cobra and number 23 squadron panthers will be plated. Number plating means that the number of these two squadrons and their legacy will be freeze.
A new aircraft that will come in squadron will be known by these names. Now, number 3 squadron will get the first LCA Mark 1A fighter. After MiG-21 arrives at the Naal Airbase, it will be fully investigated and report will be made. The parts that are fine and can be used will be taken out and the rest will be scored.
Also read: MiG-21 history is not the only accident … there is a long series of valor and victory
These retired parts can be offered to engineering colleges if they want to train or keep in Army Museum or War Memorial. If a civil person wants to take the structure of these jets for a display, then he will have to request in air headquarters.
A list is made and investigated whether the applicant is eligible or not. Jet’s frames can only be given according to the Air Force Standards, including their monitoring. Such retired jets are usually seen in large universities, industry or government buildings.
Of all the MiG-21 retired so far, many have been fitted for the display. Of these, the MiG-21 single seater has been kept at the Indian Air Force Heritage Museum in Chandigarh. It is the first Air Force Heritage Center in India.
Also read: MiG-21 farewell and welcome to Tejas … Know what is different in the new fighter plane?
MiG-21 outside Delhi’s IAF Museum and Palam Air Force Station, near Nico Park Soult Lake in Kolkata, HAL’s Biju Patnaik Aeronautics Museum in Sanbeda, Odisha, Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum in Delhi, Chandrashekhar Park of Prayagraj, Chandrashekhar Park of Prayagraj, HAL Heritage Center and Aerotage Mazium in Bangalore. Different variants of MiG have been kept in many places after retirement.
Training and target drones
Some jets will be used for training. These are being converted into supersonic target drones. This will provide real combat training to the pilots. It will technically give a new life to heritage.
According to Air Force rules, the institutes who will take airframes will have to take care of maintenance. The color and paint of the aircraft will have to be kept the same as the Air Force. If the state government demands for the city, then the Municipal Authority will help in maintenance, so that it is not rot.
Also read: MIG-21 Bison or LCA Tejas … Debate on the statement of former Air Force Chief, which fighter jet better?
What will happen to the fighter pilots of MiG-21?
Pilots generally cannot change their stream arbitrarily. Flying stream includes fighters, fixed-wing transport and helicopter pilots. Fighter pilots can go to transport and helicopter stream. It all depends on the cause of change. Medical grounds are the biggest reason.
MiG-21 is retiring, so her pilots have got a good reason to change the stream. The Pilot Training Program of the Air Force gives different fighter jet specialization options after primary training. If MiG Pilot wants to choose another fighter, then you will have to train for 3 to 6 months because each aircraft is different. The pilot of MiG-21 can also become a test pilot. Logistics can go to the branch or admin branch.
—- End —-