The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday retired its legendary MiG-21 fighter jet, bringing to an end more than six decades of service. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the aircraft, describing it as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and national pride.
The final sortie of the MiG-21 was led by Air Chief Marshal A P Singh at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. The aircraft flew in the Badal formation of three, while BAe Hawk Mk132 aircraft of the IAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team performed manoeuvres as part of the ceremony.
The aircraft was given a ceremonial water cannon salute, and in a symbolic gesture, the Air Chief handed over the aircraft’s Form 700 logbook to the Defence Minister, marking the end of an era.
Addressing the gathering, Singh recalled the MiG-21’s role in multiple wars and missions. He said:
“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.”
Remembering its role in the 1971 war, Singh said the MiG-21 had left a lasting imprint on history, “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. 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,” he added.
Singh described the MiG-21 as more than just an aircraft, “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.”
He also underlined the aircraft’s role in India-Russia relations, calling it “a testimony of India-Russia friendship.”
Clarifying on the aircraft’s age, the Minister said the jets flown in recent years were not 60 years old but mostly around 40 years old, which is normal for such aircraft. He also lauded Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for upgrading the MiG-21 with advanced radars and avionics.
In a symbolic moment, MiG-21 jets flew alongside the indigenous Tejas aircraft, sending the message “I hand over the glory to the next lineage.”
Inducted into the IAF in 1963, the MiG-21 served for 63 years. Its retirement marks the end of an illustrious chapter in India’s aviation history.
-ANI