The legendary MiG-21 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force is preparing to bid farewell. Once the backbone of the IAF, it will soon be replaced by the indigenously built Tejas Mark 2.

When the MiG-21 first thundered across Indian skies, at a time when tensions loomed on the horizon, few could have imagined it would serve for more than six decades.

For the IAF, it was never just another aircraft or a source of fear for adversaries – it became the core of its fighter fleet.

The MiG-21 played decisive roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan and went on to lead countless training missions, shaping generations of Indian fighter pilots.

India inducted the MiG-21 in 1963, becoming the first country outside the Soviet Union to operate this supersonic fighter.

Squadron Leader Dilbagh Si

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