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Indian Air Force Bids Farewell to MiG-21 Jets After Six Decades
After six decades of service, India’s MiG-21 jets made their final flight today. Nicknamed the “Flying Coffin” due to frequent crashes, the aircraft leaves behind a controversial legacy.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-09-26
Indian Air Force Bids Farewell to MiG-21 Jets After Six Decades

New Delhi — The Indian Air Force (IAF) officially retired its MiG-21 Bison fighter jets today, marking the end of an era after nearly six decades of service. Long considered the backbone of the IAF, the jets participated in several wars and military operations.

At the farewell ceremony, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the MiG-21 as a “powerful machine and a symbol of national pride.” He noted that the aircraft represented not only India’s defense strength but also close ties with Russia.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh piloted the final sortie in a MiG-21 Bison under the call sign “Baadal 3.”

India inducted a total of 876 MiG-21s, but 490 of them were lost in crashes, claiming the lives of over 200 pilots and more than 60 civilians. Due to this poor safety record, Indian pilots dubbed the aircraft the “Flying Coffin” or “Widow Maker.”

The MiG-21 gained international attention in 2019 when Pakistan Air Force shot down the jet during Operation Swift Retort, capturing Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in Pakistani territory.

Over the years, the MiG-21 was deployed in the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the Kargil conflict, Operation Safed Sagar, and the Balakot strikes.
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