The iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, which have been the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet for over sixty years, soared through Indian skies for the last time on Friday (September 26, 2025).

It marking a historic farewell filled with memories.

The sun was shining brightly, the skies were clear and a stunning blue, creating a perfect backdrop for the grand send off of this Russian origin warhorse that joined the IAF back in the 1960s.

Describing the MiG-21 as a powerful machine and a source of national pride, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed the deep connection people have with the aircraft that boosted our confidence.

Alongside him were former IAF chiefs A.Y. Tipnis, S.P. Tyagi, and B.S. Dhanoa, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was India’s first astronaut on the International Space Station, and numerous veterans, many of whom had flown the aircraft, gathered for the event.

MiG-21 Flies One Last Time Video Credit Goes To PTI

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh piloted the MiG-21 Bison aircraft with the call sign Badal 3.

Dilbagh Singh, who took over as IAF chief in 1981, was the leader of the first MiG-21 Squadron established here in 1963.

MiG-21 is not just an aircraft or a machine, it symbolizes the strong ties between India and Russia.

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