The Indian Air Force has bid farewell to its iconic MiG-21 jets with their last operational flights at Nal Air Force Station, ahead of the official retirement on September 26 in Chandigarh. Serving for over six decades, the MiG-21 has been a key part of India’s air defense. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who flew solo sorties during the farewell, described the aircraft as agile and easy to fly. With around 11,000 jets produced and used by more than 60 countries, the MiG-21 is one of the world’s most mass-produced supersonic fighters. Due to outdated technology and maintenance difficulties, the jets are being retired and replaced by modern fighters like Tejas, Rafales, and Su-30s to enhance the IAF’s capabilities.