The Indian Air Force (IAF) bid farewell to its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets on Friday, marking the end of a remarkable six-decade era. The decommissioning ceremony, held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, top military officials, and numerous veterans who had flown the aircraft.
The MiG-21, a Russian-origin warplane, was first inducted into the IAF in 1963, catapulting India into the jet age. Over 870 MiG-21s were procured over the years, becoming the backbone of the IAF's combat fleet. The aircraft played a crucial role in various conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the Kargil conflict, and the Balakot airstrike. It was a versatile platform, serving in attack, defense, and reconnaissance missions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the MiG-21 as a "mighty machine, national pride, and defence shield" that shaped the nation's confidence and inspired generations of air warriors. He highlighted the aircraft's contribution to the 1971 war, the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that the MiG-21 had always been a tremendous strength for India's armed forces. Singh also noted that the MiG-21 is not merely an aircraft but also a testament to the deep and enduring relationship between India and Russia.
The ceremony featured a spectacular display by the IAF's elite skydiving team, Akash Ganga, followed by a majestic flypast in three-aircraft and four-aircraft formations. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team also enthralled the audience with breathtaking maneuvers, while the air warrior drill team performed with precision before an aerial salute to the retiring jet. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh flew the last sortie of the MiG-21 Bison aircraft. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, one of India's first women fighter pilots, also participated in the final flight.
The MiG-21's long service is a story of technological upgrades and adaptation. Although considered outdated compared to modern fifth-generation jets, it was repeatedly upgraded with advanced weaponry and avionics. This allowed the aircraft to remain relevant and contribute to India's air power for over six decades. The IAF is phasing out the MiG-21s and replacing them with the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A.
The retirement of the MiG-21 marks the end of an era in Indian military aviation. The aircraft has trained generations of fighter pilots and has been synonymous with the Indian Air Force. As the MiG-21 takes its final bow, its legacy of courage, sacrifice, and excellence will continue to inspire future generations of air warriors.
