The MiG-21 fighter jets, which have served in the IAF since 1963, will be phased out in September, defence officials said. "The LCA Mark 1A aircraft would be replacing them," they added. They have participated in the 1965 war against Pakistan, the 1971 liberation of Bangladesh, 1999 Kargil war, 2019 Balakot strikes, and were on operational alert during Operation Sindoor.