The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently bid farewell to its iconic MiG-21 Bison squadron, concluding a notable service era that began in 1963. Despite the aircraft’s notorious reputation for crashes, data reveals a relatively favorable safety record with an accident rate of 2.95 per 10,000 flight hours, comparable to other fighters like the MiG-23 and even the U.S. F-104 Starfighter. The MiG-21’s journey highlighted the challenges of accommodating high-performance jets with inadequate pilot training early on, but upgrades in recent decades significantly improved its performance. As India transitions to next-generation platforms, including the TEJAS MK-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), there is an urgent need to expedite these programs amid regional threats from advanced adversaries like China and Pakistan. The MiG-21’s retirement signals a critical juncture for India’s air power, emphasizing the necessity of overcoming bureaucratic delays and fostering a robust indigenous aerospace ecosystem to ensure timely delivery and integration of future capabilities. This transition is vital for maintaining strategic relevance and achieving true military autonomy, as India aspires to solidify its status as a global power in an increasingly competitive environment.