Indian Air Force Formally Retires Iconic MiG 21 Fighter Jet
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
The decommissioning of the MiG-21 marks a significant historical milestone in India's defence architecture. It symbolizes the country's transition from reliance on Soviet-era legacy platforms to embracing advanced indigenous technologies (such as the Tejas fighter) under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision. Furthermore, it serves as a critical reflection point for India-Russia defence relations and the modernization trajectory of the Indian armed forces.
Summary
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully decommissioned its iconic MiG-21 supersonic fighter aircraft during a ceremony at the Chandigarh Air Force station on September 26, 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to the aircraft as a "national pride" that formed the backbone of the IAF for over six decades and symbolized robust India-Russia defence ties. First inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 saw action in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. While it earned unfortunate nicknames like "legacy coffins" due to several crashes, it has now been fully phased out. The farewell ceremony importantly included a display of India’s indigenous Tejas aircraft, reflecting the country's steady push towards self-reliance in defence technology and modernization.
Key Points
- The Indian Air Force has officially decommissioned the MiG-21 fighter aircraft after over six decades of operational service.
- The phase-out ceremony took place at the Chandigarh Air Force station, hosted by the No. 23 Squadron, also known as the Panthers.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the MiG-21 as a 'national pride' and an enduring symbol of the deep strategic and defence ties between India and Russia.
- As India's first supersonic fighter inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 participated in major military operations including the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
- The ceremony also featured the indigenous Tejas aircraft, underscoring India's ongoing transition towards defence indigenisation and modernising its fleet.
Important Terms
Indigenization of Technology
Developing and manufacturing defense equipment within the country to reduce reliance on foreign imports and enhance strategic autonomy.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Science & Tech/Security); tests understanding of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defense and technology-transfer challenges.
Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft, developed by HAL to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Defense Technology); vital for questions on indigenous military modernization and squadron strength.
No. 23 Squadron (Panthers)
The final Indian Air Force fighter squadron to operate the MiG-21 'Bison', officially number-plated in 2025 during the aircraft's decommissioning ceremony.
UPSC context
Prelims (Current Affairs); identifies the specific unit marking the end of the MiG-21 era.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
A major Indian public sector aerospace and defense company responsible for the license-production of MiG-21s and development of the Tejas.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Economy/Security); tests knowledge of key PSUs driving India's defense industrial complex.
India-Russia Bilateral Ties
A long-standing strategic partnership where defense cooperation (co-development and joint production) serves as a primary pillar.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (International Relations); crucial for analyzing India’s traditional security alliances versus modern diversification.
Indian Air Force (IAF)
The air arm of the Indian Armed Forces tasked with ensuring air superiority and aerial reconnaissance for national security.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Internal Security); fundamental for questions regarding national defense architecture and theater commands.
Prelims Trap
LCA Tejas is India's first indigenous twin-engine 5th-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
Tejas is a single-engine, 4.5-generation aircraft. The upcoming AMCA is the twin-engine, 5th-generation stealth fighter. Additionally, HAL HF-24 Marut was India's actual first indigenous fighter.
Static Concepts Connected
How are modern fighter aircraft generations classified in defence tech?
- 4th Generation: Features fly-by-wire technology, beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, multi-role capabilities, and high maneuverability (e.g., Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000).
- 4.5 Generation: Adds advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, network-centric warfare capabilities, and reduced radar signatures (e.g., LCA Tejas Mk1A, Rafale).
- 5th Generation: Incorporates true stealth (low observable), internal weapons bays, advanced sensor fusion, and supercruise capability (e.g., India's planned AMCA).
What is the procurement priority under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020?
- Top Priority: 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' is the most preferred category, requiring indigenous design, development, and a minimum of 50% indigenous material content.
- Import Embargoes: Promotes self-reliance by issuing 'Positive Indigenisation Lists' (previously negative import lists), permanently banning the import of specified weapons systems to force domestic manufacturing.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Indigenisation Lists & Import Substitution
The retirement of imported legacy fleets perfectly mirrors the Ministry of Defence’s 'Positive Indigenisation Lists', which mandate domestic procurement for systems like light combat aircraft and advanced radars.
Strategic technology diversification & US ties
Moving from Soviet-era license-built MiGs to indigenous Tejas—soon to be powered by US-origin GE F414 engines with technology transfer—reflects India's broader strategic diversification.
Expect 2026 Prelims questions mixing specs of 4.5/5th-gen fighters (Tejas/AMCA) with DAP 2020 IDDM procurement categories.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2020MainsGS2
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- 2024PrelimsGS1
Consider the following aircraft : 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1 How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?
- 2025PrelimsGS1
With reference to India's defence, consider the following pairs : Aircraft type Description I. Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft II. IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft III. C-17 Globemaster III : Military transport aircraft How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
