Indian Air Force to Retire MiG‑21 Jets and Replace With Tejas Mk1A by September 2025
The Indian Air Force has announced plans to phase out its remaining MiG‑21 fighter jets by September 2025. After serving for more than six decades, the iconic “flying coffin” will be replaced by the modern, indigenously developed Tejas LCA Mark 1A aircraft.
End of a Supersonic Era
First inducted in 1963, the MiG‑21 was India’s first supersonic jet and served in conflicts including the 1965 and 1971 Indo‑Pak wars, the Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot strikes. Despite its legacy, the aircraft earned a grim reputation due to safety concerns and accident rates, earning the nickname “flying coffin”.
Transition to Tejas Mk1A
An estimated 36 MiG‑21 jets remain in service, primarily within squadrons stationed at Rajasthan’s Nal Air Force Station. These will be gradually replaced by Tejas LCA Mk1A, offering advanced avionics, AESA radar, improved safety features, and reduced maintenance demands.
The Transition Timeline
The IAF will complete the fleet’s retirement by September, marking a final era of MiG‑21 operations—including ceremonial farewell events. Meanwhile, Tejas Mk1A induction continues, with six aircraft expected by March 2026, and further deliveries under an already approved ₹1.15 lakh crore contract.
Modernising the Combat Fleet
With the MiG‑21 retired, the IAF’s total squadron strength will reach its lowest since the 1960s, around 29 squadrons. The induction of Tejas supports India’s broader indigenous modernization efforts and serves as a bridge to future platforms, such as the LCA Mk2 and the next-generation AMCA.
This transition underscores a pivotal shift in India’s defence strategy—moving away from ageing Soviet-era assets towards a modern, self-reliant aerospace capability.
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