At the age of 83 Air commodore Surendra Singh Tyagi is a living legend who still loves flying and has flown virtually all the aircraft in IAF inventory including MiG 21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, Jaguar, Vampire, Mirage 2000, Chetak (helicopter), Mi-18 (helicopter), and Canberra Bomber both in peace and combat missions.
One of the most experienced fighter pilots in India, Air Commodore Tyagi, is widely recognised as one of the top-notch pilots in the world, with the highest number of operational missions on the MiG-21 globally.
Air Cmde Tyagi holds the world record for the most flying hours — 4,306 hours and 6,316 sorties on the MiG-21. This feat was even acknowledged by the Global Head of Operations of MIG 21 Russia, who presented him with a trophy in 2013.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1963, he steadily rose through the ranks, reaching the rank of Air Commodore before his retirement on 31 December 1996.
A recipient of the Vayu Sena Medal and the Chief of Air Staff’s golden plaque, Air Cmde Tyagi served as an Air Force examiner, Principal Director Dte of Space, and Dte of Operations and commanded the No. 32 and 35 Squadrons.
Between 1981 and 1983, as a Squadron Leader, Tyagi served as a flying instructor in Iraq.
During his short stint as the Commanding Officer of No. 35 Squadron– “Rapiers” (EW & Air Superiority) equipped MiG‑21M fighters deployed for electronic warfare, electronic surveillance, interception, air defence and air superiority role, Tyagi’s key result area was to collaborate with DRDO for testing and integrating EW systems on board MiG‑21M platforms.
Commanding No. 32 Squadron – “Thunderbirds” (MiG‑21 Fighter Unit) at Jodhpur, Tyagi operating MiG‑21 Bis in quick reaction air defence and fighter-bomber tasks. Under Tyagi’s leadership, the unit maintained high readiness levels for rapid interception missions and night sorties for air defence over the Rajasthan/Gujarat sector.
Later, as a Group Captain posted in the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI), he conducted over 90 inspections across wings, forward base units, and squadrons. During his DASI stint, he flew 528 sorties (295 hours) on various platforms to assess operational and training quality.
During his distinguished career in the IAF, Air Cmde Tyagi actively participated in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and has also served in Russia, Iraq, and the USA.
Significantly, Tyagi survived a crash in 1978 in a MiG‑21 during take-off at Pathankot when a dog on the runway forced a go-around, which led to engine failure. But Tyagi chose not to eject due to the extremely low altitude and managed a belly landing—and walked away before the aircraft exploded. Remarkably, he flew more sorties after than before the near‑fatal incident.
Air Commodore Tyagi now wants to fly one last sortie in the MiG-21 Bison fighter jet before the ageing aircraft is phased out of the Indian Air Force by late 2025.
Air Cmde Tyagi’s heartfelt desire is to counter the MiG-21’s negative image and nickname “flying coffin”, suggesting that the aircraft’s high accident rate was largely due to its extensive use as a training device or medium and the number of aircraft in the IAF fleet.
As an ace fighter pilot, his word counts as one of the total over 5000 flying hours and 8000 sorties he has flown, the highest number of operational missions on the MiG-21 globally.
“I have cheated death for 4000 hours”, he says briming with pride and confidence.
He has maintained a meticulous logbook documenting all his flying experiences to date. He plans to hand it over to the IAF museum to motivate future generations
Air Commodore Tyagi’s story is more than a biography. At 83, he continues to inspire generations of pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Air Commodore Surendra Singh Tyagi’s story is a living testament to courage, discipline, and unmatched dedication to aviation. With over 8,000 flying hours, including a world-record number on the MiG-21, he embodies the very spirit of the Indian Air Force: fearless in adversity, relentless in training, and unwavering in service. His survival of near-fatal incidents, leadership of elite squadrons, and commitment to pilot training and operational excellence set a benchmark few can match.
At 83, Air Commodore Tyagi continues to inspire not only generations of fighter pilots but also a wider community of aviation enthusiasts and patriots. His legacy reminds us that true legends are not just born—they are built through decades of discipline, sacrifice, and love for the skies.
