The Indian Air Force (IAF) will gather in Chandigarh on Friday to bid an emotional farewell to the Russian-made MiG-21, which commissioned its first squadron there in 1963.
The skies over the ‘City Beautiful’ will roar once more in tribute to an aircraft that has symbolised India’s air power for nearly six decades.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest at the retirement ceremony, alongside Chief of the Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, the Chiefs of the Army and Naval Staff, and senior IAF officers.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh will personally participate in the final mission, paying homage to the aircraft’s glorious legacy.
Legacy of the MiG-21
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has played a defining role in strengthening India’s aerial defence.
The first squadron, established in Chandigarh, began operations from modest facilities—three tents—but soon became the backbone of the IAF’s combat capability.
Over the decades, the MiG-21 participated in several major military operations, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, during which it famously shot down an F-16.
Moreover, it has trained generations of fighter pilots and has been featured in numerous stories and films, embodying the spirit of India’s air warriors.
The farewell ceremony will feature a grand flypast, with formations named Badal and Panther performing the aircraft’s final salute.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh will fly the last sortie with the call sign ‘Badal 3’, marking the end of an illustrious era.
Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, who participated in the full dress rehearsal earlier this week, will be among the select pilots taking part in this historic event.
Six MiG-21 jets from No. 23 Squadron will perform the final flight and will receive a water cannon salute upon landing, symbolising the nation’s gratitude.
The End of an Era, Dawn of a New One
The retirement of the MiG-21 will close a significant chapter in India’s aviation history. Officials say the farewell will emotionally mark the IAF’s tribute to an aircraft whose valour and service they will always remember.
The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will carry forward the MiG-21’s proud legacy, representing a new era of self-reliance and modernisation in Indian defence aviation.
As the MiG-21 takes its final flight over the Chandigarh sky, it will leave behind a trail of memories, courage, and pride—a final salute to a legend that safeguarded India’s skies for nearly sixty years.
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