Context: The Decommissioning Ceremony of the Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 was held in Chandigarh on September 26, 2025, marking the end of a distinguished chapter spanning over six decades in the IAF’s history.
- India’s supersonic journey began in 1963 with the induction of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 into No. 28 Squadron at Chandigarh,famously known as the ‘First Supersonics’.
MiG-21’s Role in Key Battles:
- 1965 India-Pakistan War: It performed the air defence role.
- 1971 war: Attacked the Governor’s House in Dhaka under hostile conditions and hastened India’s victory.
- Also participated in Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor.
About MiG-21
Evolution:
- It evolved from a 1950s-era jet into a formidable, upgraded platform known by names such as Trishul, Vikram, Badal and Bison. Continuous upgrades, especially by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), kept the aircraft technologically relevant and battle-ready.
- Defence Minister pointed out that more than 11,500 MiG-21s were built worldwide, of which approximately 850 served with the IAF, which testify the aircraft’s popularity, credibility and multi-dimensional capabilities.
MiG 21 Replacement:
- Rafale: A twin-engine fighter aircraft of French origin, capable of operating from both aircraft carriers and land-based airfields.
- LCA Tejas: It is India’s single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole light fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- LCA Mk1A: It is the most advanced version of the LCA Tejas. It is equipped with EW suite consisting of radar warning and self-protection jamming, Digital Map Generator (DMG), Smart Multi-function Displays (SMFD).
- LCA-Mk2: It is a bigger and more capable version of the LCA designed with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, and first prototype is expected to roll out by the end of 2025.
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft( AMCA): It is India’s fifth-generation fighter jet and is expected to roll out by the end of 2026 or early 2027.