The Indian Air Force is preparing the return of the MiG-21 for historic flights in the Heritage Flight program
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started the process of reactivating selected MiG-21 aircraft, which will be part of Heritage Flight-programme, a program that preserves historic aircraft in airworthy condition for official displays.
The decision comes a few weeks after the aircraft’s operational retirement, marked by a ceremony on 26 September 2025 at the Chandigarh Air Base.
The aim of the initiative is to preserve the MiG-21’s importance in Indian military aviation and strengthen its historic role in missions since the 1960s. The reactivated aircraft will participate in events such as national parades, air displays and ceremonial flyovers, thus expanding the programme’s educational collection.
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Heritage Flight expands the historic fleet
The program is operated from Hindon Air Base near New Delhi and already includes historically important aircraft types such as the de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, T-6G Harvard and Douglas C-47 Dakota. These 1930s and 1940s models are regularly worn in official events including Republic Day and Vijay Diwas.
The introduction of the MiG-21 — which ended its service under the name Bison — marks the arrival of the first supersonic fighter in the Heritage Flight fleet and adds a technological milestone to a predominantly propeller-driven collection.
Assessment and maintenance of the aircraft
Aircraft stored at the Nashik depot undergo inspections to assess structural condition and establish minimum airworthiness requirements. Aircraft that are approved will undergo maintenance work to meet safety requirements before being accepted into the program.
The IAF has the infrastructure and technical expertise needed to operate the MiG-21. The aircraft type was manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) since the 1960s, and more than 870 units were built in India. This established a solid ecosystem of parts, engines and technical support. Engines and components are still available at facilities such as the Koraput factory, which for decades participated in the model’s maintenance cycle.
Official farewell ceremony in Chandigarh
The farewell ceremony for the MiG-21 took place in Chandigarh, where the aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 1963 by Squadron 51. The event brought together military personnel and veterans and marked the end of more than six decades of service, during which the fighter participated in both combat operations and air defense missions.
Distribution of airframes for exhibition
In addition to individual units returning to the air, the Indian Air Force also distributes decommissioned airframes to schools, museums and public institutions for static display. The models are delivered without engines, avionics or weapon systems. Government institutions receive them for free, while private applicants pay a fee of approximately 30 lakh rupees per unit.
Source and Images: Indian Air Force | Wikimedia. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editors.
