India, Sept. 21 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing for the ceremonial decommissioning of the MiG-21 fighter jet later this month at the Chandigarh airbase. With this event, the iconic "Twenty-One" will finally bow out after an extraordinary 62 years of service. The jet leaves behind a bittersweet legacy-marked by triumphs in battle yet shadowed by a troubling flight safety record. As the last of the remaining MiG-21 Bison variants retire, it is an opportune moment to reflect on an aircraft that earned both reverence and notoriety.

Despite its unfortunate nickname, the "flying coffin," the MiG-21 made undeniable contributions to Indian aviation history. As someone who has flown this aircraft extensively, this farewell evokes both ...