22-07-2025
Indian Air Force To Retire MiG-21 Fighter Jets: A Complete Timeline
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its remaining Russian-made MiG-21 Bison fighter jets by September this year. (File Pic)
At present, the IAF operates two squadrons of the upgraded Bison variant. Sources have indicated that a formal farewell ceremony is being planned to honour the aircraft that has served the nation for decades and played a pivotal role in several key operations. (File Pic)
The MiG-21 Bison, an upgraded version of the MiG-21bis, had been first inducted into service in 1976. According to several reports, the MiG-21 had completed its retirement period in the mid-1990s. (File Pic)
Notably, during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman flew a MiG-21 Bison and engaged in a high-profile dogfight with Pakistani jets. Only the Bison variant of the MiG-21 remains in service today. (File Pic)
