The Indian Air Force (IAF) officially bid farewell to its MiG-21 fighters during a culmination ceremony held at Air Force Station Chandigarh on September 26, 2025. The event featured a final sortie by the Chief of Air Staff, a water-cannon salute, and formation flypasts pairing the retiring MiG-21 “Fishbed” with its successor, the indigenous LCA Tejas — symbolizing the transition to a new era of frontline operations.
The MiG-21 Bison, India’s last variant of the legendary supersonic jet, delivered Mach 2 performance and point-defense agility while incorporating modern avionics, glass cockpit displays, helmet-mounted sights, and compatibility with R-73 and R-77 missiles. Its small radar signature and rapid climb rate made it a potent interceptor even into the 21st century, though limited range, high landing speeds, and intensive maintenance demands became increasingly challenging as the airframes aged.
Beyond its operational role, the MiG-21 program was a cornerstone for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), enabling large-scale license production and building India’s capacity to manufacture supersonic fighters. The Bison upgrade of the late 1990s extended the fleet’s service life while providing a bridge to newer technologies and platforms. With the MiG-21 chapter now closed, the Tejas is set to transition from a symbol of self-reliance to the workhorse of India’s combat fleet.
