Following the significant global success of its Kargil War series, Operation Safed Sagar, Netflix is set to release a companion documentary titled The Last Salute: A Love Letter To MiG-21. This new film, which pays tribute to the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet, will premiere globally on August 26, 2026.
Netflix India unveiled the first teaser for the documentary, highlighting the MiG-21's six decades of service. The film delves into the aircraft's 62-year association with the Indian Air Force (IAF), chronicling its pivotal role in numerous operations and the experiences of the pilots who flew it across generations.
Honoring a Legacy: The MiG-21's Story
The Last Salute aims to present untold stories and never-before-seen moments from the MiG-21's storied history. It features prominent figures such as Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, alongside several MiG-21 veterans, offering unique insights into the aircraft's profound impact on Indian air power.
The documentary is produced by Matchbox Shots and directed by Kushal Srivastava, the same creative team behind the acclaimed Operation Safed Sagar. This ensures a consistent narrative quality and a deep understanding of military history.
Building on 'Operation Safed Sagar's' Triumph
The decision to greenlight The Last Salute comes on the heels of Operation Safed Sagar's remarkable performance. The six-episode military drama has remained on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV List for two consecutive weeks, climbing to the second spot. It has entered the Top 10 in 40 countries and achieved the top position in 10 of them, cementing its status as a global hit.
Tanya Bami, Series Head, India, Netflix, commented on the success: "You know a story has connected with the audience when the conversations and recommendations are palpable. Operation Safed Sagar stands out as the clearest example—its reception has been nothing short of a resounding success, and we are extremely thankful to the audience for making this story their symbol of national pride this Independence Day."
The MiG-21 played a crucial role in Operation Safed Sagar, which dramatizes the Golden Arrows Squadron’s missions during the 1999 Kargil War. The documentary expands on this, framing the jet as not just a machine but a powerful symbol of the IAF's heritage and enduring spirit. With The Last Salute, Netflix extends the conversation from battlefield heroics to the lasting legacy of a fighter jet that defined six decades of Indian air power.