Overview

• The last operational MiG-21 flights took place at Nal Air Force Station on August 18–19, captured by crews filming Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War.
• A ceremonial de-induction is scheduled at Chandigarh on September 26, the base where the type was first inducted in 1963.
• Air Chief Marshal A P Singh flew a solo sortie and joined a formation led by Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, which the IAF described as symbolising tradition and transformation.
• Two remaining MiG-21 squadrons are slated for phase-out next month as the IAF pivots to Tejas, Rafale and Su-30 fleets, with reports noting Tejas Mk1A deliveries have lagged planned timelines.
• The jet departs with a combat legacy spanning 1965, 1971, Kargil and 2019 operations, alongside a widely reported high accident record with varying tallies across media accounts.