The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday bid a final farewell to the MiG-21, marking the end of the iconic fighter aircraft’s 63 years of service. The ceremony, held at the Chandigarh Air Force base, was described as dignified and befitting by those who witnessed it.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, now an astronaut, was among those present at the event. Recalling his long association with the MiG-21, he said the aircraft held a special place in his career and life.
“I am feeling fantastic today. I spent a considerable amount of time with the MiG-21 and cherish many fond memories of it. Its final farewell was a befitting, dignified ceremony, very well organised. It was also wonderful to reconnect with all my old comrades,” Shukla said.
He added that he was happy to be at the base where he had spent much of his early career. “I have spent a lot of time here and have a lot of memories here… it holds a major memory in my heart,” he noted.
Shukla had flown the MiG-21 during his initial years as an Air Force pilot before his selection as an astronaut.
Inducted into the IAF in 1963, the MiG-21 had a remarkable journey spanning over six decades, and Friday’s ceremony marked the end of its operational chapter.
(With ANI inputs)