'Bird of all seasons': Rajnath Singh as MiG-21 bows out after 6 decades of service in the Indian Air Force

From its decisive role in 1971 war to its presence in the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor, the MiG-21 proved its mettle in multiple theatres of conflict, and that its legacy will live on in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during the decommissioning ceremony of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) jet fighter in Chandigarh on Friday.  

The ceremony marked the final operational sortie of the MiG-21, bringing to a close an illustrious chapter of over six decades in the IAF history. Singh said the aircraft symbolises the continuity of courage, discipline, and patriotism that will inspire the development of indigenous platforms such as LCA-Tejas and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Paying tribute to the MiG-21, Singh described it as more than just a machine, but rather a symbol of India’s rise in military aviation, a shield of national defence, and a faithful companion of the Armed Forces since its induction in 1963. He said over 11,500 MiG-21s were built worldwide, of which around 850 served with the IAF, which testifies to its popularity, credibility, and multi-dimensional capabilities.

He recalled how the MiG-21 proved its mettle in multiple wars and conflicts, from its decisive role in the 1971 war, where it attacked the governor’s house in Dhaka under hostile conditions and hastened India’s victory, to its presence in the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor. “In every historic mission, the MiG-21 carried the Tricolour with honour. Its contribution has never been limited to a single event or battle; it has been a pillar of India’s air power for decades,” he highlighted.

Describing the MiG-21 as the “bird of all seasons”, the minister said it excelled in every conceivable role—as an interceptor deterring enemy aircraft, a ground-attack platform displaying offensive capability, a frontline air defence jet protecting Indian skies, and a trainer aircraft that groomed countless pilots. “The foundation of our highly skilled fighter pilots was laid on the MiG-21. Standing on this legendary platform, generations of air warriors learned to fly, adapt, and succeed in the toughest conditions. Its role in shaping India’s air strategy cannot be overstated,” he underlined.

Singh said the MiG-21 performed far beyond expectations of both its designers and operators, evolving from a 1950s-era jet into a formidable, upgraded platform known by names such as Trishul, Vikram, Badal, and Bison.  “The MiG-21 taught us never to fear change, but to embrace it with confidence. Today, India’s defence ecosystem, our research labs, academia, DPSUs, private sector, startups, and youth is working in unison to take this legacy forward,” he said.

The minister also addressed misconceptions regarding the age of the aircraft. He clarified that while the initial MiG-21s inducted in the 1960s and 70s were retired long ago, the aircraft in service until now were at most 40 years old, a lifespan considered normal for fighter jets worldwide. He underlined that the MiG-21 was continuously upgraded with advanced radars, avionics, and weapon systems, thanks to the efforts of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). 

The ceremony was marked by a spectacular flypast led by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, a rare and symbolic gesture that reflected the deep respect the IAF holds for the legendary aircraft. The event featured a series of aerial displays, including a skydiving demonstration by Akash Ganga, formation take-offs by MiG-21s, the Badal and Panther formations, precision drill movements by the Air Warrior Drill Team, Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, and a symbolic flypast showcasing Jaguars and MiG-21s in a historical recreation of Combat Air Patrol. A joint MiG-21 and LCA Tejas flypast highlighted the transition from the legendary Bison to the indigenous Tejas.