IAF Bids Emotional Farewell to MiG-21 After Six Decades of Service

The Indian Air Force (IAF) bid an emotional farewell to its iconic MiG-21, the first supersonic jet in its fleet, at a ceremony held at Chandigarh Airbase today.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the event, while Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh piloted the jet's final flight.

The MiG-21, now destined for museums, first landed at Chandigarh Air Force Station in 1963, marking the start of its storied journey. The same year, its first squadron was established in Ambala.

The aircraft, nicknamed 'Panther,' was formally retired during a ceremony at Chandigarh, where the 23rd Squadron's last MiG-21 received a ceremonial water cannon salute.

The event featured a display by the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, with six MiG-21s showcasing their prowess in the skies for the final time. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, the seventh woman pilot to fly the MiG-21, was among those in the 'Panther Formation' that returned to the base.

Introduced in 1963 under the leadership of Dilbagh Singh, who later became IAF chief in 1981, the MiG-21 was a cornerstone of India's air power. Over 11,000 units of this Russian-origin fighter were produced, serving over 60 countries, making it one of the most widely used supersonic jets in history.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh described the MiG-21 as an exceptional 'interceptor,' though its aging technology and maintenance challenges necessitated its phase-out in favor of modern platforms like Tejas, Rafale and Sukhoi-30.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi expressed mixed emotions, calling the MiG-21 a formidable asset. Former IAF chief BS Dhanoa noted that the jet strengthened the force significantly, adding that while its absence will be felt, newer aircraft will carry forward its legacy.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the MiG-21's stellar performance, describing it as a symbol of India-Russia ties. "The MiG-21 was the best of its era's technology and earned the IAF's trust for decades. We must celebrate its legacy," he said, noting Chandigarh as the fitting location for its farewell, having witnessed its historic journey. He called the jet a "bird of all seasons" for its proven versatility.

The ceremony concluded with the squadron's commanding officer handing over the MiG-21's Form-700 logbook to the Air Chief, encapsulating the aircraft's operational history, from pre-flight checks to pilots' feedback.

The MiG-21's roar may have fallen silent, but its legacy endures as a testament to India's air defense heritage.