MiG-21 Fighter Jet Retires from Indian Air Force: What Happens Next?

The Indian Air Force is officially retiring its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets. This marks the end of nearly six decades of service for the MiG-21, once considered the “most powerful” element of India’s air defense. A formal flypast and decommissioning ceremony will be held at the Indian Air Force base in Chandigarh, with senior military officials and veteran pilots who have flown the aircraft across generations in attendance. Introduced in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter jet, with the first squadron, the 28 Squadron based in Chandigarh, earning the nickname “First Supersonics.” Over the years, India has inducted over 700 MiG-21 aircraft of various types, many of which were manufactured domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Just like humans, aircraft worldwide are commissioned and decommissioned after their service life. The MiG-21 is now facing retirement. The article delves into the protocols for retired fighter jets, discussing their fate post-retirement.