Indian Air Force prepares return of MiG-21 for historic flight under Heritage Flight program
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has begun the process of reactivating selected MiG-21 fighter jets. These aircraft maintain historic aircraft in flyable condition for official events.Heritage Flightjoin the program.
The decision comes weeks after the decommissioning ceremony was held at Chandigarh Air Force Base on September 26, 2025.
The aim of this initiative is to preserve and pass on the historical role of the MiG-21 in Indian military aviation, which has been in service since the 1960s. The reactivated aircraft will participate in national parades, air shows, and commemorative flyovers, further enhancing the educational value of the program.
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Heritage Flight expands its lineup of historic aircraft
The program is based at Hindon Air Force Base near New Delhi and already has a fleet of historic aircraft such as the de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, T-6G Harvard and Douglas C-47 Dakota. These 1930s-40s aircraft are regularly used for official functions such as Republic Day and Vijay Diwas.
The addition of the MiG-21 means that the aircraft, now known as the Bison, will become Heritage Flight’s first supersonic fighter, marking a technological milestone for a lineup that has previously been dominated by propeller aircraft.
Aircraft inspection and maintenance
The aircraft, which is in storage in Nashik, is undergoing inspection to assess its structural condition and confirm minimum flight conditions. Aircraft that meet the standards will be included in the program after undergoing maintenance to meet safety requirements.
The IAF has the necessary infrastructure and technical expertise to operate the MiG-21. The aircraft has been operated by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and more than 870 aircraft were built in India. The result is a well-established ecosystem of parts, engines and technical support. Facilities such as the Koraput plant continue to supply engines and parts.
Official retirement ceremony in Chandigarh
The MiG-21’s retirement ceremony took place in Chandigarh, where it was transferred to No. 51 Squadron in 1963. The ceremony, attended by military personnel and veterans, officially concluded the aircraft’s more than 60 years of service. During its operational life, the MiG-21 has participated in combat operations and air defense missions.
Distribution of display aircraft
Apart from returning some aircraft to flight, the Indian Air Force also provides the fuselages of retired aircraft to schools, museums and government institutions for static display. These aircraft have no engines, avionics, or weapons systems. It will be provided free of charge to public institutions, while private applicants will have to pay about 30 lakh rupees per aircraft.
Source/Image: Indian Air Force | Wikimedia. This article is supported by AI and reviewed by an editorial team.
