New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft, the MiG-21, retired today. The MiG-21 was bid farewell at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was a special guest at the ceremony. Chief of Defense Staff Anil Chauhan, Air Force Chief AP Singh, Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Dinesh Kumar Tripathi also attended and witnessed the historic moment of the MiG-21's farewell ceremony. This fighter aircraft, which gave enemies a tough time, will no longer be seen flying in the sky. The MiG-21 will now be replaced by the Tejas. A total of six MiG aircraft displayed their might for the last time at the MiG-21's farewell ceremony held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. The seventh female pilot, Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, also flew the MiG-21. All the aircraft returned to the airbase in a Panther formation. After this, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh posed for a historic photograph with six Indian Air Force pilots who flew the MiG-21. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performed at the MiG-21's farewell ceremony. Former airmen who flew the aircraft became emotional watching the farewell flight. The MiG-21 was given a final salute with a water cannon. With this, the MiG's roar subsided. After serving the nation for 62 years, India's first supersonic aircraft, the MiG-21, has now retired. Notably, the MiG-21 was launched nearly 60 years ago from the Chandigarh Air Force Station, which is why its retirement took place there today. The MiG-21 has been a strength of the Air Force ever since, having played a crucial role in many historic wars. It enhanced India's valor in the 1965-1971 Indo-Pakistani War, the 1999 Kargil War, the Balakot Strike, and Operation Sindoor, and defeated the enemy. When needed, he led the nation from the front lines. He taught the nation the spirit of victory by leading it in the direction of "Salvad Vijayi Bhava" (always victorious), and ensuring its victory. Six MiG-21 Panthers flew in formation Under the commanding officer of Squadron No. 23 (Panthers), Group Captain Rajendra Nanda, other MiG-21 Panthers roared through the sky for the last time in formation. Priya Sharma, the Air Force's seventh fighter jet pilot, was also present. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also flew the MiG-21 for the last time in the Badal-3 formation, known as the "Call Sign." Since the first squadron of this aircraft was formed in Chandigarh, a memory lane was created here after its departure, showcasing the indomitable courage and valor of the MiG-21 from 1963 to 2025. The commanding officer of the squadron that switched off the MiG-21 aircraft handed over a large booklet, Form 700, to the Air Force Chief. It includes all pre-flight inspection reports and post-flight feedback reports from the pilots. This means that the operational memories of the MiG-21 will now be confined to this book. The MiG-21 was a major strength of the Air Force. The MiG-21 has a maximum speed of 2,175 km/h, allowing it to disappear quickly after completing its mission. It is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles, bombs, and other equipment. Its payload capacity is approximately 3,500 kg. This aircraft can fly at supersonic speeds, which was faster than other aircraft of the time. It has a rocket-like and robust design. With a payload, it weighs approximately 5,300 kg. The MiG-21 was capable of carrying a variety of missiles and other weapons, making it capable of air combat. In addition to strike missions, it was also used for trainer and reconnaissance missions.
