After MiG-21’s exit, Sukhoi, Rafale and Tejas to take charge 

September 29, 2025

Abhishek Vij

Eighty-two Indian Navy officials are being trained on the MiG-21. The MiG-21, known as the MiG-21 took its first flight from Chandigarh in 1963. After a full year, the MiG-21 departed Chandigarh with great pomp and ceremony for its final flight. But Indian society remains steadfast. Even now, the S-500, the Russian-provided security shield, remained fully operational during Operation Sindoor with Pakistan. This is evidenced by the fact that, despite US pressure, India has made it clear that it will always purchase oil and weapons from Russia.

This is a matter of foreign trade. If oil is available at a low price, why shouldn’t we buy it? If Russian-made weapons are effective, we will enter into defense deals for Russian weapons. America is imposing penalties on India in an authoritarian manner, but India remains firm on its position. As the latest penalty, the US has imposed a 100% tariff on India’s pharmaceutical sector. We are talking about the MiG-21. On Friday, the MiG-25 flew its last flight. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on the occasion that the MiG-21 is a symbol of India’s great friendship with Russia. This aircraft has played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak war, from the 1971 war to the Balakriti IAF strikes. The reason for the need to retire the MiG-21 is that it had twice the range.
With a class of over 870 MiG-21 aircraft in the Indian Army, the MiG-21 has turned the tide of wars. Many pilots have flown it. The reality is that modernization requires modernization to pave the way for the military’s modernization. The MiG-21 failed to meet the test of new technology. In recent times, the MiG-21 suffered numerous accidents, leading to its being called a flying coffin. Over 200 pilots and civilians lost their lives in these accidents during the MiG-21’s decade-long service life. Older MiG-21s were periodically retired. Now, only 38 MiGs remain, which have been retired. This does not mean that the Indian Air Force will suffer any decline. The MiG-21 is protected by the Sukhoi-30MK, which has a speed of 2120 kilometers per hour.

There is the Rafale and the French G-21, equipped with modern missiles and sensors. Then there is our indigenous Tejas, whose capabilities the Indian Army is proud of. The Indian Air Force is constantly improving. On September 25th, India successfully conducted a missile test from Neladi. Now, the era of duality has arrived. It is used in both peace and conflict. India used both extensively in Operation Sindoor, giving Pakistan a tough time. The Air Force Chief himself flew a MiG-21 during the “Goodbye MiG-21” ceremony. He said the ceremony was similar to the ancient weapon-giving ritual performed on Dussehra. Traditionally, the MiG-21 was being bid farewell. He expressed gratitude to this powerful machine, which served the Indian Army for 70 years. He also stated that our arms purchase relationship with India will remain the same. In fact, we are purchasing armor with even more powerful armor than the S-400. India’s unwillingness to relent despite its tariff threat can be considered a genuine gesture to the United States, which considers itself a moral force. India is independent and can buy weapons and crude oil from whoever it wishes. Why should Russia be the only exception?