MiG-21 Retire / Sometimes 'Tiger of the Sky' and sometimes 'Flying Coffin'... Learn the history of MiG-21

MiG-21 Retire: The MiG-21, the most vigilant sentinel of India's skies, is bidding farewell today, leaving behind its glorious history. At the farewell ceremony in Chandigarh, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh will fly the MiG-21's cloud formation. This moment is emotional and historic not only for the Indian Air Force but also for the country. Let's take a flashback and remember the glorious journey of the MiG-21, which made Indian skies impenetrable.

MiG-21 Arrives in India

The story of the MiG-21 in the Indian Air Force began in August 1962. At that time, the Pakistani Air Force possessed the US-supplied F-104 Starfighter, the most advanced supersonic fighter aircraft of the era. India needed a powerful supersonic jet to meet this challenge. While French and American aircraft were available as options, India chose the Soviet Union's MiG-21.

The MiG-21 was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963. It was India's first supersonic fighter jet. Seven Indian pilots trained in Tashkent, and in April 1963, the first MiG-21 squadron was established in Chandigarh under No. 28 Squadron, nicknamed "The First Supersonics." With six MiG-21 jets, this squadron became the backbone of the Indian Air Force.

The MiG-21's Outstanding Role in Wars

The MiG-21, with its high speed, light weight, and lethal capability, brought India glory in every war.

The 1965 Indo-Pak War: The MiG-21's contribution in this war was limited, but it made its presence felt.

The 1971 War: The MiG-21 demonstrated its true strength in this war. It shot down four Pakistani F-104 Starfighters, two F-6s, one F-86, and one C-130 Hercules. The MiG-21's pin-point attack on the Governor's House in Dhaka is still etched in golden letters in the pages of history.

The 1999 Kargil War: The MiG-21 once again displayed its bravery. When a Pakistani Atlantis jet violated Indian airspace, it was shot down mid-air.

The 2019 Balakot Airstrike: The MiG-21 demonstrated its bravery by shooting down a Pakistani F-16.

The Tiger of the Sky and the Flying Coffin

There was a time when the Indian Air Force had over 800 MiG-21s in service. Its power, speed, and lethality made it the "Tiger of the Sky." Enemies trembled at its very name. However, over time, due to some technical defects and accidents, it also became known as the "Flying Coffin." Due to these shortcomings, the Indian Air Force decided to retire it.

Farewell to the MiG-21

Today will be the final flight of the MiG-21 in Chandigarh. This marks not only the departure of an aircraft, but the end of an era for the Indian Air Force. The MiG-21 protected India's skies for six decades, bringing glory to the nation in the face of every challenge. While it is now being replaced by modern aircraft like the Tejas and Rafale, the glorious saga of the MiG-21 will forever remain immortal in the history of the Indian Air Force.