The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially retired the MiG-21, a fighter jet that served for 62 years, marking the end of an era in India’s combat aviation history. Despite its legacy as a reliable defender, concerns have been raised about the aircraft’s long service life and high accident rates, attributed more to operational demands rather than design flaws. The retirement highlights systemic issues in India’s defense procurement, underscoring the need for timely modernization and efficient project execution to avoid over-reliance on aging platforms. This situation serves as a call to reform the defense ecosystem, ensuring India’s aerial capabilities can effectively meet emerging geopolitical challenges.