New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will phase out its remaining MiG-21 Bison fighter jets by the end of this year, marking the end of an era for the iconic aircraft that has served the nation for over six decades.
Currently, only two squadrons of the upgraded MiG-21 Bison variant remain in active service. According to defence sources, the IAF is planning a formal farewell ceremony to honour the aircraft’s long-standing contribution to India’s air defence and its role in pivotal military operations.
Originally slated for retirement earlier, the MiG-21s continued flying due to delays in the induction of the Tejas Mk1A, India’s indigenously developed fighter aircraft. The Tejas Mk1A is expected to begin replacing the aging MiG-21s once deliveries commence in full.
The MiG-21 Bison made headlines in February 2019, when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flew the jet during the Balakot airstrikes and engaged in a dramatic aerial dogfight with Pakistani aircraft. The mission cemented the aircraft’s place in modern Indian military history.
Introduced into the IAF in the 1960s, the MiG-21 has been the backbone of India’s fighter fleet for decades, despite increasing concerns about its aging airframe and safety record in recent years. With only the Bison variant currently in operation, the retirement will officially conclude the MiG-21’s service in India.
The IAF’s decision to finally retire the MiG-21 Bison reflects a broader push toward modernisation, with a stronger focus on indigenous platforms and next-generation capabilities.
