IAF decommissions the MiG-21 at Chandigarh after more than six decades
The Indian Air Force decommissioned the MiG-21 at a ceremony in Chandigarh on 26 September 2025, marking the fighter's final operational sortie after service since 1963.
Summary
The Indian Air Force (IAF) decommissioned the MiG-21 at a ceremony in Chandigarh on 26 September 2025 attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking the aircraft's final operational sortie after more than six decades of service. The MiG-21 was inducted in 1963 into No. 28 Squadron, the 'First Supersonics', at Chandigarh. More than 11,500 MiG-21s were built worldwide, of which about 850 served with the IAF, in upgraded versions such as Trishul, Vikram, Badal and Bison. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh led the farewell flypast. Rajnath Singh recalled the aircraft's role in the 1971 war, the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor.
Key facts
- Decommissioned
- 26 Sep 2025, Chandigarh
- Inducted
- 1963, No. 28 Squadron 'First Supersonics'
- Numbers
- 11,500+ built worldwide; ~850 with IAF
- Variants
- Trishul, Vikram, Badal, Bison
- Flypast led by
- CAS Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
- Operations
- 1971 war, Kargil, Balakot, Operation Sindoor
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Where was the Indian Air Force's MiG-21 decommissioning ceremony held on 26 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Chandigarh
The ceremony and final operational sortie took place at Chandigarh, where the MiG-21 was first inducted.
In which year was the MiG-21 inducted into the Indian Air Force?
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Correct answer: D — 1963
The MiG-21 was inducted in 1963 into No. 28 Squadron, the 'First Supersonics'.
Which IAF squadron, nicknamed the 'First Supersonics', was the first to be equipped with the MiG-21?
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Correct answer: A — No. 28 Squadron
The MiG-21 was first inducted into No. 28 Squadron, the 'First Supersonics', at Chandigarh.
Consider the following statements about the MiG-21 in Indian service: 1. About 850 of the more than 11,500 MiG-21s built worldwide served with the IAF. 2. Upgraded versions of the MiG-21 in the IAF included Bison and Badal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: about 850 of 11,500+ MiG-21s served with the IAF, in versions such as Trishul, Vikram, Badal and Bison.