The MiG-21 is one of the most iconic and widely used fighter jets in aviation history. Here’s a detailed
Full Name: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
NATO Codename: “Fishbed”
Country of Origin: Soviet Union
Role: Supersonic jet fighter/interceptor
First Flight: 1955
Introduced into Service: 1959
Status: Retired in most countries, limited use in a few
Key Features and Specs
Engine: Single turbojet engine
Speed: Maximum speed of Mach 2.0 (~2,175 km/h)
Range: Around 1,210 km (combat range)
Service Ceiling: Up to 58,000 feet (17,500 m)
Armament:
One 23mm or 30mm cannon
Up to 2,000 kg of bombs, rockets, or air-to-air missiles (typically R-3 or R-60 missiles)
Global Usage
Over 60 countries operated the MiG-21 at some point.
Produced under license in countries like India, China (as J-7), and Czechoslovakia.
It became the most-produced supersonic jet in history with over 11,000 units built.
MiG-21 in India
Inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1963.
Licensed production began in India through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Played key roles in wars against Pakistan (1965, 1971, and Kargil War).
The MiG-21 Bison, an upgraded version, remained in service until 2025.
Despite its age, it was involved in recent combat like the 2019 Balakot airstrike aftermath, where a MiG-21 Bison (flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman) was involved in a dogfight.
Controversies and Criticism
Known in India as the “Flying Coffin” due to numerous crashes.
Dozens of pilots lost their lives due to aging technology, maintenance issues, and lack of modern safety systems.
Gradual phasing out started in the 2000s.
Legacy
Revolutionary for its time in terms of speed, cost-effectiveness, and design.
Served as a stepping stone for modern jet designs.
MiG-21s are now museum pieces, trainer aircraft, or used in limited roles by a few countries.
After serving for about 62 years, the MiG-21 will be officially bid farewell at a special ceremony to be held at the Chandigarh Airbase on September 19, 2025. Air Force officers, MiG-21 pilots, and several former war heroes are likely to participate in the ceremony.
The MiG-21, a supersonic fighter jet that has served the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a long time and played a key role, is now going to be buried in the dust of time. According to defense sources, the MiG-21, which has served for about 62 years, will be officially bid farewell to a special program at the Chandigarh airbase on September 19, 2025. Air Force officers, MiG-21 pilots and many former war heroes are likely to participate in the program. The MiG-21 first joined the Indian Air Force in 1963. Since then, it has been a part of every major war and operation. The war with Pakistan in 1965, the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, the Kargil War in 1999, and the Balakot airstrike in 2019.
The MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter to enter the Indian Air Force. It gave India technological superiority in the 1960s and 70s. At one time, India had over 850 aircraft of the MiG-21 family, of which over 600 were manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). However, in the following years, the outdated MiG-21 aircraft caused several accidents, leading to the fighter jet being nicknamed the ‘flying coffin’. Many pilots lost their lives flying the aircraft. However, the aircraft remained a vital part of the training and combat experience of many pilots.
The MiG-21 is currently being gradually replaced by indigenous Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, due to delays in the delivery of Tejas aircraft, the MiG-21 had to be continued for several periods. With the farewell to this aircraft, the number of fighter squadrons in the Air Force will come down to just 29, which is the lowest in the last few decades. No other fighter aircraft has served in the Indian Air Force for such a long time. This can be counted as two-thirds of the history of the IAF. It has been a part of every pilot’s career. It is reported that the MiG-21 will also have a fly-past and static display at the farewell ceremony at the Chandigarh airbase. This fighter aircraft will forever be etched in the history of Indian military. Although the MiG-21 will no longer fly in the sky, there is no doubt that its stories will tell the stories of India’s bravery and technological advancement for generations to come.
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