On Friday, the skies will roar to offer the Russian-made MiG-21, which was incorporated into the Indian Air Force (IAF) nearly 60 years ago, a “final salute.” It will be a historic and poignant reunion in Chandigarh, the City Beautiful, where its first squadron was commissioned in 1963.
On Friday, the skies will roar to offer the Russian-made MiG-21, which was incorporated into the Indian Air Force (IAF) nearly 60 years ago, a “final salute.” It will be a remarkable but emotional reunion in Chandigarh, the City Beautiful, where its first squadron was commissioned in 1963.
The Air Chief Marshal will personally take part in the last mission to honor the MiG-21, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the retirement event.
This farewell to the MiG-21, whose bravery and service will always be remembered, is an emotional chapter in the IAF’s illustrious history, according to officials.
Since its induction into the IAF in 1963, the MiG-21 has been an essential part of the country’s defense. In Chandigarh, the first MiG-21 squadron was formed in 1963 and began operations from three tents. This fighter aircraft contributed to India’s success on numerous fronts after joining the IAF.
This aircraft continued to be a representation of air power for a long period. The nation’s confidence was echoed by its thunderous roar in the skies. It has also been portrayed in a lot of movies. There are several legends and anecdotes surrounding this aircraft, which the MiG-21 is permanently abandoning.
Other pilots who have flown the MiG-21 over the years also recounted poignant recollections on this occasion.
In addition to the Chief of the Defense Staff, Gen. Anil Chauhan, the Chief of the Army Staff, Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of all IAF commands, and other high-ranking military officials, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will be the main guest at the farewell ceremony at the Air Force Station.
The 2019 Balakot airstrike, the Kargil battle in 1999, and the 1965 and 1971 wars were among the major operations in which the MiG-21 took part. The plane famously shot down an F-16 during Balakot. For many years, the plane has been a crucial component of Indian fighter pilot training.
The two flypast formations, “Badal” and “Panther,” will make their final flight during the retirement ceremony. The MiG-21 will soon be replaced by the domestic Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Tejas).
Under the call sign “Badal 3,” Air Chief Marshal AP Singh will pilot the squadron’s final flight. Pilots participating in the ceremonial MiG-21 flypast include Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, who also flew in the full dress rehearsal on Wednesday.
Priya Sharma will play a significant part in this historic occasion as the six jets of number 23 Squadron, which will be featured in the farewell, will be greeted by a water cannon salute upon landing.
According to officials, the departure of MiG-21 also signifies a poignant chapter in the illustrious history of the Indian Air Force, whose bravery and service will never be forgotten.
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