Adieu MIG-21 I Blog By Saiaansh
Saiaansh, a 10-year-old from Chandigarh pays tribute to the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet as it retires after 62 years of service in the Indian Air Force. Explore its history, engineering brilliance, combat role, safety concerns, and the grand farewell ceremony marking India’s transition to modern fighter aircraft.
Adieu MIG-21
Farewell to the Legendary MiG-21 Fighter Jet
Introduction to the MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG)-21 is a supersonic fighter jet and Interceptor, created by “The Mikoyan Gurevich” bureau in the Soviet Union. After India’s independence, the Soviet Union (Now Russia) provided help and gave India military gears and equipment, the Mig -21 was one of them. It was a key defence line in many wars that India won. I have written this article to contribute our respect to the MIG-21, after 62 years of honour, valour and service, on 26th of September 2025. The “Work Horse” of Indian Air Force (IAF) has retired putting an end to its legacy.
Development and Engineering Excellence
Origins and Speed
The MIG-21 development took place throughout the late 1950’s and 1960’s. The Soviet Union tested the MIG-21 on 1965 and more substantially from 1966. It was a supersonic jet reaching a top speed at 2,229km/h or Mach 2.
Engine and Aerodynamic Design
The type of engine type in MIG-21 was turbojet. The pointed nose in front of the jet is not just for looks, but it has its own function. When the MIG-21 breaks the sound barrier, shock waves would form inside the compressor making the airflow separate from the blade surfaces, pressure ratio collapses and the engine would fail, but a pointed nose prevents this from happening. Soviet Engineers solved this problem of pressure collapse with a sliding intake cone. The cone extends forward, the faster the jet goes, the cone slows down the airflow into a gentle, subsonic stream that is easily swallowed by the engine. Faster the MIG flies, the farther the cone extends, without it the MIG-21 would suffocate on its own speed. The MIG-21 was a first-generation fighter jet, which is far behind today’s fifth-generation fighter jet.
Global Operators and Indian Service
Countries Using the MiG-21
Just like India, many countries like North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Angola, Azerbaijan, Guinea, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, Uganda and Yemen are using MIG -21 till today. The Indian Military inducted the MIG-21 in 1963.
Role in the Indian Air Force
It served countless combats, Air Exercises and actively participated in wars like Indo-Pakistan war 1965, 1971, Kargil War in 1999 to make the winning streak against the enemy. But due to its age in the most recent India-Pakistan clash in May 2025, Indian Airforce did not use MIG-21 in active combat roles. Unfortunately, the jet was not very safe, along with its valour history it also had some sour bites associated with it.
Safety Concerns
The number of deaths and mid-air crashes led it to be termed as ‘Flying Coffin’ as the Indian Air force experienced many air accidents and fatal casualties while it was in use.
Retirement Ceremony
Historic Farewell
Recently on September 26, 2025 the legendary war horse of the Indian Air Force was retired after serving the nation for six decades. The retirement ceremony of MIG-21 was held at Chandigarh Air Force Station. Indian Air force organised the Air show, to bid goodbye to the legend.
Notable Personalities
The show was open for the public also. The last flight of MIG-21 was piloted by Air Chief Marshal A. P Singh and another one by Squadron Leader Priya Sharma. Some of the important attendees of the ceremony were Defence Staff General of Indian Force Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Trivedi and there was one distinct guest, Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla. Those who don’t know Sudhanshu Shukla, he is a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and also the first Indian Astronaut to visit International Space Station in 2025 by mission called Axiom-4. He also became the second Indian to go to space after 41 years after Indian Air Force pilot Rakesh Sharma.
Symbol of Transition
Modernisation of the IAF
This airshow was not only organised as a respectful farewell to the legendary MIG-21 but it also symbolised India’s transition to more advanced fighter aircrafts and modernisation of the Air Force after inducted fighter jets like French made Rafale, Russian made Sukhoi su-33 and India made Tejas. It also brought back the memories of the jet’s crucial role in major air operations over the past 60 years.
Conclusion
Adieu MIG-21 your service in securing Indian skies will always be remembered.
By : Saiaansh Dey
FAQ’s : Adieu MIG-21
What is the MiG-21?
The MiG-21 is a supersonic fighter and interceptor jet designed by the Soviet Union. It has been one of the most widely used combat aircraft in the world.
When did India induct the MiG-21 into the Air Force?
India inducted the MiG-21 in 1963.
Why was the MiG-21 important to the Indian Air Force?
It played a major role in several wars, including the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan wars and the 1999 Kargil conflict. It served as a strong defence line for decades.
Why is the MiG-21 called a “Flying Coffin”?
Due to its age and many mid-air crashes resulting in pilot fatalities, the aircraft earned the controversial nickname “Flying Coffin”.
What kind of engine does the MiG-21 use?
It uses a turbojet engine and features a pointed nose cone to safely manage airflow at supersonic speeds.
When was the MiG-21 retired from the Indian Air Force?
It was officially retired on September 26, 2025.
Where was the MiG-21 retirement ceremony held?
The ceremony took place at the Chandigarh Air Force Station and included an air show open to the public.
Who piloted the final MiG-21 flights?
Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh and Squadron Leader Priya Sharma piloted the final flights.
Which modern aircraft are replacing the MiG-21 in India?
Newer jets like the Rafale, Sukhoi variants, and the Indian-made Tejas are now taking over.
What does the retirement of the MiG-21 symbolize?
It marks India’s shift toward modern fighter technology and the continued modernization of the Indian Air Force.
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This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia is Children’s Book publisher and publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.
Photo Credit – AI Generated Images by Magic Media of Canva and Chat GPT.
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