As India bids farewell to its trusted old warhorse, the MiG-21, after six decades of service that included distinguished roles in the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, it is worth recalling an unusual chapter in the aircraft’s history. A film titled Steal the Sky, made in the United States in 1988, was based on the true story of Iraqi Assyrian fighter pilot Munir Redfa, who defected to Israel in 1966 by flying a Russian-made MiG-21 as part of Operation Diamond.
At the time, the MiG-21 was among the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and both the United States and Israel were eager to study its design and performance. Operation Diamond, reportedly conducted by Mossad, began in mid-1963 and culminated on August 16, 1966, when Redfa landed the jet in Israel, famously saying he had touched down on “the last drop of fuel.”
Once in Israeli hands, the MiG-21 was flown extensively by Israeli test pilots to understand its strengths and vulnerabilities. These evaluations gave Israel valuable insights, enabling its pilots to effectively counter the Soviet-made jets flown by regional adversaries. The aircraft was even nicknamed “007,” likely as a playful nod to James Bond. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli pilots flying Mirage fighters shot down six Syrian MiG-21s without suffering a single loss, as noted by the CIA. Later, in January 1968, Israel loaned the MiG to the United States, where it was studied under the Have Doughnut program.
India, too, had a long and storied association with the MiG-21. The Indian Air Force inducted its first MiG-21s from the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1963 and went on to operate over 700 of them, many manufactured indigenously. These supersonic fighters marked India’s first combat aircraft of non-Western origin, ushering in a new era for the IAF. Now, after six decades of service, the MiG-21 is set to retire on September 26, in a ceremonial farewell at Chandigarh. The event will feature an air show from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. Veteran pilots and crew who have flown or worked on the MiG-21 will be present, as the IAF formally de-inducts its last two operational squadrons - No. 3 ‘Cobra’ Squadron and No. 23 ‘Panthers.’
Both squadrons, currently operating the MiG-21 Bison, will be “number plated,” meaning their legacy will be preserved until they are re-equipped with new aircraft. Notably, No. 3 Squadron is slated to be the first recipient of the indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighter jets.
In a personal tribute, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew a solo MiG-21 sortie in Rajasthan on August 25. As Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, IAF spokesperson, recalled, the MiG-21 first entered Indian service in 1963 with No. 28 Squadron based in Chandigarh — earning the proud title “The First Supersonics.”
With its retirement, India closes a legendary chapter of aviation history, bidding goodbye to a jet that not only guarded its skies but also symbolised its rise as an air power.
(The writer is an Associate Editor with The Pioneer)
