MiG-21: India’s First Supersonic Warrior – Historic Air Kills, Airstrikes & Finally The Legend Flies into History”

MiG-21: The Legend in IAF Service

The MiG-21 was more than just a fighter jet – it was history in motion. Inducted in 1963, it became the Indian Air Force’s first supersonic aircraft, giving India the ability to break the sound barrier at will. For decades, this delta-wing warrior dominated South Asian skies, scoring historic air-to-air kills and carrying out precision strikes that shifted the balance of wars.

“Nicknamed the ‘Supersonic Warrior,’ the MiG-21 redefined aerial combat in the subcontinent. From shooting down Pakistan’s Starfighters in 1971 to the dramatic Atlantic kill in 1999, its combat record stands as proof of both its speed and lethality.”

1. Entry and Significance

• The MiG‑21 was India's first supersonic combat aircraft of non-Western origin, entering IAF service around 1963 following procurement from the Soviet Union.

• It quickly became the backbone of the IAF fleet, especially from the early 1970s through the mid‑2000s.

  
  

2. Combat Record & Notable Air-to-Air Kills

1971 Indo-Pak War

• MiG‑21FLs played a critical role. The jets claimed four Pakistani F‑104A Starfighters, two Shenyang F‑6Cs, one Sabre, and one C‑130 Hercules—though only the F‑104A kills are confirmed.

• Analysts note the MiG‑21FL emerged victorious in its encounters with the F‑104.

  
  

1999 Engagement: Breguet Atlantic

• On 10 August 1999, two MiG‑21s shot down a Pakistan Navy Breguet 1150 Atlantic patrol aircraft over Sir Creek using an R‑60 missile. All 16 aboard were killed.

  
  

Later Conflicts

• During the 2019 Balakot clashes, a MiG‑21UPG Bison shot down a PAF falcon, most probably an F-16BM twin-seater version. The Pakistan DG ISPR claimed three pilots were in the vicinity at the start of the conflict but later declined, hinting towards a twin-seater jet being downed. Strong evidence suggests it was a twin-seater, as no WSO's name is mentioned in the PAF's fake victory stone, which claims the use of an F-16BM, a twin-seater version of the Falcon.

• Regarding Operation Sindoor in 2025, though MiG‑21s aren’t specifically named, the IAF shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one large military aircraft. Experts suggest the real numbers could be double, indicating more confirmation may come later. MiG‑21s may have been part of overall force operations but were not explicitly credited.

  
  

Reputation Among Veterans

• A retired Air Marshal staunchly defended the MiG‑21 against calls of the "flying coffin" label, citing a daring occasion where a pilot evaded attack by four Pakistani F‑86 Sabres.

  
  

3. Airstrike Roles: Ground Attack and Beyond

• In the 1971 war, the MiG‑21FL—nicknamed the "runway buster"—excelled in ground-attack missions, particularly targeting enemy airfields and infrastructure.

• No verified evidence links MiG‑21s to airstrikes in later border operations like Balakot, where Mirage 2000s took the lead.

  
  

4. Fatal Accidents and “Flying Coffin” Myth

• Unfortunately, safety was a persistent problem. Over 400 MiG‑21s have crashed since induction, killing over 170 pilots—earning it the ominous tag "flying coffin."

• These tragedies stemmed from aging airframes, maintenance challenges, and operational stress.

  
  

5. Retirement: End of an Era

• After over 62 years of service, the IAF plans to ceremonially retire its last MiG‑21s on 19 September 2025 at Chandigarh Air Base.

• This retirement also strips the IAF of its lowest combat strength in decades, underscoring the urgency for replacements like the Tejas Mk‑1A.

  
  

Summary Table: MiG-21 Key Facts

| Aspect | Details |

|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|

| Introduction | First supersonic, non-Western jet (1963) |

| Peak Ops | Mainstay from 1970s–mid-2000s |

| Kills (Confirmed) | 1971: 2 confirmed F-104As + other claims; 1999: 1 Breguet Atlantic |

| Notable Evade | One pilot survived an attack by 4 F-86s—per veteran |

| Ground Attack | "Runway buster" in 1971 war |

| Accidents | ~400 crashes, >170 pilot deaths |

| Retirement | Scheduled Sept 19, 2025 |

Final Word

The MiG-21 was a legend for its time, thicker in myth than metal—but myths arise from metal, and this jet wrote chapters in India’s aerial history that deserve respect. Its kills in the 1971 war and the downing of a surveillance aircraft in 1999 are verified high points. Its ground attack role in 1971 also stands undisputed. However, its legacy is stained by a staggering accident record. Now, as India closes this chapter, it’s clear: respect the past, but don’t cling to it when it’s time to upgrade sometimes.

But the Legend will mostly be remembered for being the only fighter aircraft which has downed each generation's jet of PAF modern warfare.