After 62 years, across wars, variants and uninterrupted service, the Indian Air Force retired the last of its MiG-21 fighter interceptors last week. And coinciding with what is unanimously the end of an aviation era, a new book is out, co-authored by aviation writer & photographer Angad Singh, showcasing the incredible six-decade journey in a manner both timely and critical to our understanding of a fighter whose final stretch in service was a mixed bag in the public eye.
Soviet-designed, the MiG-21 more than earned its place as one of the most iconic aircraft in Indian military history. Introduced in 1963, it was immediately a game-changer for the IAF, providing unmatched speed, agility, and versatility at a time when India sought to modernise its air fleet amidst regional tensions.
The book, ‘Icon of the Sky: A History of the MiG-21 in the IAF’, traces the MiG-21’s role in conflicts like the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan wars. In those wars, IAF pilots leveraged the jet’s capabilities to secure air superiority and support ground operations. Beyond its battlefield contributions, the MiG-21’s affordability and adaptability allowed the IAF to maintain a robust fighter fleet, earning it the nickname “Fishbed” and a revered status among pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Its long service life, bolstered by upgrades and local modifications, underscores its importance in shaping India’s aerial defense capabilities. As the IAF transitioned into the 21st century, the MiG-21 continued to serve as a reliable workhorse, even as newer aircraft joined the fleet. Its enduring presence reflects not only its engineering resilience but also the skill and ingenuity of the IAF’s pilots, engineers, and planners who maximized its potential through indigenous upgrades like the MiG-21 Bison, the final type in service. The aircraft’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and technological evolution, making it a fitting subject for a comprehensive study.
The new book, a meticulously researched chronicle of the MiG-21’s 62-year history in Indian colours, interspersed with evocative first-person recollections from veterans who were in the cockpit, was released by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, AOC-in-C Western Air Command, alongside Gp Capt L Nanda Rajender, the last MiG-21 CO of the IAF, at Chandigarh.
We chatted with Angad Singh, co-author of this new book on the MiG-21’s storied service with the IAF.
Q. Why did the MiG-21 last so long in the IAF?
A. The MiG-21 was a fundamentally sound fighter design that proved adaptable even into the 21st century. The IAF operated so many for so long, that even the vices she did have were very well understood and could be accounted for in pilot training, SOPs, maintenance and so on.
Q. What’s your favourite MiG-21 pilot story?
A. There are so many! As much as I chase the wartime stuff from 65, 71, and 1999, my actual favourites are the ‘slice of life’ stories that you hear over a drink in casual conversation — the sort of tales that make you smile and remind you that fighter pilots are still human! A couple of these made it into the book — ACM Tony Dhanoa’s chaotic diversion to Bathinda in the early 80s, and Air Mshl Diptendu Choudhury’s mistaken landing at an abandoned airstrip on the eve of Independence day 1986.
Q. You’ve shot some of the finest pictures of the MiG-21. What did you like best about shooting this jet?
A. There are few jets that look so good from any angle. So really, the MiG-21 just made my job easy!
4. The MiG-21’s reputation as a dangerous jet is pretty stuck in the Indian mind. Thoughts?
A. There’s so much already said about this, it’s almost annoying to get into it. Statistically, she was no more or less dangerous than any of her contemporaries. But operated in such huge numbers, and for so long, you have to accept that the general public will see the word ‘MiG’ in the headlines over and over, and come to their own conclusions.
5. What do you think should/will happen to the retired MiG-21s?
A. I hope the intact airframes are preserved and displayed well across the country. Especially in and around places the MiG-21 defended in war, or operated from in peace. There’s a lot of talk around drone conversions and such, but honestly, you could probably deliver equivalent results more effectively using dedicated modern solutions.
6. You’ve spent plenty of time with MiG-21 pilots. Why was this jet so beloved despite all its wrinkles?
A. Think of why vintage cars and bikes, old steam trains, mechanical watches and the like are so beloved… then turn it to 11. Professional pilots who are able to tame this jet in the modern age know they have achieved something special, and that feeling of accomplishment forges a bond with the machine that made it possible. None of these pilots are under any illusions as to the capabilities of more modern aircraft, but they are human, and these sorts of connections are a natural part of any flying career.