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Mig Fighter Jets

In the glow of the afterburner

As India bids farewell to its first supersonic fighter jet, the MiG-21's final flight marks both the end of an era and a warning for the future

In the glow of the afterburner
Updated On : 06 Oct 2025 | 4:56 PM IST
Blueprint

MiG-21 takes final flight over Indian skies, marking historic farewell

escribing the MiG-21 as a mighty machine and a national pride, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there was a deep attachment to the aircraft that shaped our confidence

MiG-21 takes final flight over Indian skies, marking historic farewell
Updated On : 27 Sep 2025 | 12:16 AM IST

MiG-21 gave India many proud moments in military aviation journey: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said MiG 21 is not only an aircraft or a machine but a testimony to the deep ties between India and Russia. Singh was addressing a gathering on the occasion of the decommissioning ceremony of the Russian-origin MiG-21 at the Chandigarh Air Force Station here. The iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, which have been the backbone of Indian Air Force's combat fleet for over six decades, flew for the last time in Indian skies here on Friday, bringing the curtain down on a 62-year-long journey. The legendary MiG-21 fighter jets have been part of the IAF's combat fleet since the 1960s. Remembering the valour of the armed forces, Singh said the MiG 21 has a big contribution in their journey of bravery. "We gathered here for the final operational sortie of MiG 21. Being amongst you, I have emotions of pride and gratitude," Singh said. "When we are today giving a send-off to MiG 21 from its operational journey, I feel that we are giving a .

MiG-21 gave India many proud moments in military aviation journey: Rajnath
Updated On : 26 Sep 2025 | 1:55 PM IST

Estonia says 3 Russian fighter jets violated its airspace for 12 minutes

Estonia summoned a Russian diplomat to protest after three Russian fighter aircraft entered its airspace without permission on Friday and stayed there for 12 minutes, the Foreign Ministry said. Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna said that Russia had already violated Estonian airspace four times this year but today's incursion, involving three fighter aircraft entering our airspace, is unprecedentedly brazen. His ministry said that the incursion took place over the Gulf of Finland and three Russian MIG-31 fighters were involved. The Russian charge d'affaires was summoned and given a protest note, a ministry statement said.

Estonia says 3 Russian fighter jets violated its airspace for 12 minutes
Updated On : 19 Sep 2025 | 9:04 PM IST

Govt clears ₹62,000 crore deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets, boosting India’s indigenous fighter programme

The Union Cabinet has approved the purchase of 97 more Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The ₹62,000 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited marks a major push.

Icon YoutubeGovt clears ₹62,000 crore deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets, boosting India’s indigenous fighter programme
Updated On : 20 Aug 2025 | 5:09 PM IST

MiG accounts for half of fighter jet crashes in 17 years

Three out of five jet types saw a decline in crashes over the past 15 years

MiG accounts for half of fighter jet crashes in 17 years
Updated On : 30 Jul 2025 | 9:09 PM IST

Air Force to buy around 100 more indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighter jets

The plan to buy the indigenous plane was announced in Spain by Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari soon after receiving the first C-295 transport aircraft

Air Force to buy around 100 more indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighter jets
Updated On : 16 Sep 2023 | 1:58 PM IST

MiG-21: A brief look at the history of the IAF's most widely used aircraft

As India was getting ready to scale up its military capabilities after losing to China in the 1962 Sino-India war and facing rising pressures from Pakistan, MiG-21 was acquired by the country in 1963

MiG-21: A brief look at the history of the IAF's most widely used aircraft
Updated On : 01 Aug 2022 | 12:34 PM IST

MiG-21 set to retire: A dive into the aircraft's long date with accidents

Over 400 Mig-21 fighter aircrafts have crashed since 1971-72 claiming the lives of more than 200 pilots and another 50 people on the ground, according to a news report

MiG-21 set to retire: A dive into the aircraft's long date with accidents
Updated On : 29 Jul 2022 | 9:06 PM IST

Ukrainian no-fly zone would end war quicker: Polish ambassador to Kyiv

Imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine would help bring the conflict there to a faster conclusion and save lives, Polish ambassador said, as Russia continued a relentless bombardment of several cities

Ukrainian no-fly zone would end war quicker: Polish ambassador to Kyiv
Updated On : 10 Mar 2022 | 2:48 PM IST

' High risk': US to oppose any plans to provide MiG fighter jets to Ukraine

The Pentagon on Wednesday (local time) said it would oppose any plans to provide MiG fighter jets to Ukraine, calling it "high-risk".

' High risk': US to oppose any plans to provide MiG fighter jets to Ukraine
Updated On : 10 Mar 2022 | 7:57 AM IST

Kamala Harris trip to Poland takes a turn over fighter jets for Ukraine

Vice Prez Kamala Harris' trip to Warsaw to thank Poland for taking in Ukrainians fleeing war took a turn, she'll be parachuting into the middle of unexpected diplomatic turbulence over fighter jets

Kamala Harris trip to Poland takes a turn over fighter jets for Ukraine
Updated On : 09 Mar 2022 | 2:04 PM IST

Pentagon says Poland's fighter jet offer for Ukraine 'not tenable'

The Pentagon has said that Poland's offer to give its MiG-29 fighter jets to the US so they can be passed to Ukraine raises serious concerns for the NATO alliance and the plan is not "a tenable one"

Pentagon says Poland's fighter jet offer for Ukraine 'not tenable'
Updated On : 09 Mar 2022 | 8:16 AM IST

Indian Air Force pilot killed as MiG-21 Bison aircraft crashes in Punjab

An Indian Air Force pilot was killed after a MiG-21 Bison aircraft crashed in Punjab's Moga district, officials said on Friday

Indian Air Force pilot killed as MiG-21 Bison aircraft crashes in Punjab
Updated On : 21 May 2021 | 12:29 PM IST

Air Force chief outlines plan to solve shortage of fighter squadrons

There is already concern that the IAF is down to just 30 fighter squadrons, against the assessed requirement of 42 squadrons

Air Force chief outlines plan to solve shortage of fighter squadrons
Updated On : 05 Oct 2019 | 2:49 AM IST

Russia keen on joint development of MiG-29 K fighter jets for Indian Navy

MiG CEO Ilya Tarasenko said his company would submit a detailed proposal to the Modi govt shortly

Russia keen on joint development of MiG-29 K fighter jets for Indian Navy
Updated On : 17 Sep 2017 | 7:06 PM IST