Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honours the MiG-21 during its decommissioning ceremony at the Chandigarh airbase, recalling its service in multiple conflicts, including Operation Sindoor.
The aircraft’s final operational sortie concludes over six decades of operational history with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Addressing the ceremony, Rajnath Singh calls the MiG-21 a symbol of courage, discipline, and patriotism, inspiring the development of indigenous platforms such as the LCA-Tejas and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
“When the world looks at India tomorrow, it should see a nation that began with the MiG-21 and now leads with futuristic defence technologies,” he says, paying tribute to the air warriors who safeguarded India’s sovereignty.
The Defence Minister highlights the aircraft’s role in major conflicts, from the 1971 war to the Kargil conflict, Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor.
Known as the ‘bird of all seasons’, the MiG-21 excelled as an interceptor, ground-attack platform, air defence jet, and trainer aircraft. Rajnath Singh notes that over 850 MiG-21s served in the IAF, out of more than 11,500 built worldwide, reflecting its versatility and credibility.
Rajnath Singh commends Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) engineers for upgrading the aircraft with advanced radars, avionics, and weapons, keeping it battle-ready.
“The MiG-21 taught us never to fear change, but to embrace it with confidence. Today, India’s defence ecosystem works in unison to take this legacy forward,” he underscores.
The ceremony features a flypast led by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, formation take-offs, aerobatic displays by the Surya Kiran team, and a joint MiG-21 and LCA Tejas flypast symbolising the transition to indigenous platforms.
A ceremonial switch-off of six MiG-21s marks the end of its operational service, with Form-700 documents handed to the Chief of the Air Staff.
Senior defence officials, veterans, engineers, and air warriors attend the event, celebrating the MiG-21 as more than a machine, a pillar of India’s air power and a foundation for future Aatmanirbharta in defence.
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