#MiG-21: The Final Sortie of India’s Sky Warrior “Type 77”..

Bidding Farewell to 40 Glorious Years of Service and Supersonic Legacy

India Input September 26, 2025

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#MiG-21: The Final Sortie of India’s Sky Warrior “Type 77”.For over four decades, the MiG-21 has been more than just an aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF)—it has been a symbol of speed, strength, and resilience. Known as the “Type 77” in IAF service, this supersonic jet fighter was inducted in 1963 and went on to serve as the backbone of India’s air defense for years. Its recent last sortie marks the end of a remarkable era, closing the chapter of a machine that has flown into history with honor.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the iconic MiG-21 during its decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh, marking the end of an illustrious chapter of over six decades in the Indian Air Force. The ceremony featured a spectacular flypast, aerial displays by Akash Ganga and Surya Kiran, precision drills, a joint MiG-21 and LCA-Tejas flypast, and the ceremonial switch-off of six aircraft. Shri Rajnath Singh also released a special commemorative day cover and stamp, honouring the MiG-21’s enduring contribution to India’s air power.

Tweets — Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 26, 2025

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pic.twitter.com/eUbGEVkHGM

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 26, 2025

“The MiG-21 symbolises the continuity of courage, discipline and patriotism that will inspire the development of indigenous platforms such as LCA-Tejas and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The legacy of the aircraft will forever live on in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in defence. “– Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh

“Excelled as an interceptor deterring enemy aircraft, a ground-attack platform displaying offensive capability, a frontline air defence jet protecting Indian skies, and a trainer aircraft that groomed countless pilots, the Mig-21 was a Bird of all seasons. Generations of air warriors learned to fly, adapt, and succeed in the toughest conditions on this aircraft. Its role in shaping India’s air strategy cannot be overstated.”

“From its decisive role in the 1971 war, where it attacked the Governor’s House in Dhaka under hostile conditions and hastened India’s victory, to its presence in the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor, the MiG-21 has carried the Tricolour with honour. Its contribution has never been limited to a single event or battle, it has been a pillar of India’s air power for decades.”— Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.

Tweets — 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐣𝐚 🇮🇳 (@RAFALE00093) September 26, 2025

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From 1963 to 2025… MiG-21, you defended our skies with unmatched courage. Farewell, Legend! ✈️🇮🇳🙏@IAF_MCC #MiG21 #mig21farewell pic.twitter.com/olRxOZ8KYu

— 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐣𝐚 🇮🇳 (@RAFALE00093) September 26, 2025

Technically, the MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter in India’s arsenal. With a maximum speed of 2,175 km/h (Mach 2.05), a service ceiling of 58,000 feet, and a range of 1,210 km, it was designed to intercept enemy aircraft with unmatched agility. Armed with a 23 mm twin-barrel cannon and capable of carrying air-to-air missiles, bombs, and rockets, the MiG-21 was a formidable multirole fighter for its time.

Tweets— Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (@Suryakiran_IAF) September 26, 2025

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A salute in the skies. 🇮🇳 The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team joins the mighty MiG-21 for one last flight, a breathtaking farewell to the legend that guarded our skies for six decades.

Photo credits @neel385 #MiG21Farewell #Suryakiran #IAF #suryakiranaerobaticteam #suryakiran_iaf pic.twitter.com/DxughUrc5J

— Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (@Suryakiran_IAF) September 26, 2025

Beyond numbers, its specialty lay in its reliability and adaptability. The aircraft was extensively upgraded under the “MiG-21 Bison” program, keeping it relevant even in the era of modern jets. It played crucial roles in the 1965, 1971, and Kargil conflicts, earning a legendary status in combat.

As the MiG-21 takes its final bow after 40 glorious years of service, it leaves behind not just an operational legacy but also the spirit of countless pilots who soared the skies with it. The jet may retire, but its roar will forever echo in India’s defense history.

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