IAF to Retire MiG-21 Jets This September, Ending a Legendary Chapter

The Indian Air Force is finally saying goodbye to the iconic MiG-21 fighter jets, after more than 60 years in the skies. By September this year, the last of these jets — currently based at the Nal airbase in Rajasthan — will be phased out, marking the end of a remarkable era in India’s aviation history.

India's first supersonic jet, the MiG-21, was unveiled in 1963 and served as the foundation of the IAF's combat fleet. It was crucial to the Kargil conflict in 1999, the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, and even the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. However, the aircraft's age has become apparent over time, and its alarming crash record has raised concerns.

Now, the MiG-21 will be replaced by the Tejas Mark 1A — a modern, homegrown fighter jet. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has promised to deliver at least six of them by March 2026, though supply delays, especially with engines from U.S.-based GE Aerospace, have pushed back the timeline.

The decision to retire the MiG-21 is symbolic in addition to being a technical one. The jet has served as a training ground and a combat partner for many generations of IAF pilots. India gets ready to take off with a new generation of domestically designed and built aircraft as it makes its final descent.