Russian-made MiG-21’s induction in early 1960s heralded beginning of jet age for IAF
CHANDIGARH: An era came to an end for the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday as it retired the legendary MiG-21 fighter jets, which have served the nation for over six decades.
The decommissioning ceremony of the Russian-origin fighter jets was held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and senior IAF officers.
First inducted in 1963, the Russian-origin MiG-21 marked the IAF’s entry into the jet age. These fighter jets have retired from service after being in operation for 63 years.
At the start of the ceremony, the MiG-21 fighter jets took to the skies for the one last time. The MiG-21s flew in Vic formation before marking the culmination of operations of the Russian-origin fighter jets. As MIG-21s took to the skies, the indigenous Tejas Aircraft tagged along, sending out a message that they were ready to take over the guard.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew the last sortie of the Squadron with the call sign ‘Badal 3’. The MiG-21 jets that took part in the decommissioning ceremony belonged to number 23 Squadron, nicknamed “Panthers”.
The jets were accorded a water cannon salute on landing at the Chandigarh Air Force Station post their final sortie, while the IAF’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team displayed spectacular manoeuvres to mark the occasion.
Defence Minister hails the legacy of MiG-21
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the MiG-21’s legacy, recalling its role in decisive moments from the 1971 war to the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor.
“For a long time, MiG-21 has been a witness to numerous heroic deeds. Its contribution has not been limited to a single event or a single war. From the war of 1971 to the Kargil conflict, or from the Balakot airstrike to Operation Sindoor, there has not been a moment when the MiG-21 has not provided tremendous strength to our armed forces,” Singh said.
He also hailed the legacy of the MiG-21 fighter jet as a cornerstone of the India-Russia bilateral relations. “MiG-21 is not merely an aircraft, it is a testimony of India-Russia relations,” the minister stated.
Recalling the various times when MiG-21s stood up to the challenges, Rajnath Singh said, “Who can forget the 1971 war. During the war with Pakistan, in adverse circumstances, the MiG-21 attacked the Governor’s House in Dhaka, and on that very day, it outlined the result of that war. Besides this, in its long history, there have been many such occasions when the MiG-21 proved its decisive capacity. Whenever there have been historic missions, every time the MiG-21 has enhanced the honour of the tricolour. Therefore, this farewell is also of our collective memories, of our national pride, and of that journey in which the story of courage, sacrifice, and excellence has been written.”
“The MiG-21 is deeply embedded in the memories and emotions of our country. Since 1963, when the MiG-21 first joined us, this journey of more than 60 years up to today is unmatched in itself. For all of us, this is not just a fighter jet, but rather a family member with whom we have a deep attachment. The MiG-21 has shaped our confidence, strengthened our strategy, and helped us establish ourselves on the global stage. In such a long journey, this fighter jet has faced every challenge and proved its capability every time,” he added.
Agencies