New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) today drew the curtain on a remarkable chapter of military aviation history. After more than six decades of service, the iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jet made its final flight, bringing an era to a close.
At exactly 12:05 pm, six MiG-21 Bison variants, led by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh (call sign Badal 3), soared above Chandigarh in a farewell formation. Their landing was marked with a traditional water cannon salute a solemn yet celebratory tribute to the aircraft that once formed the backbone of India’s air defence.
The choice of Chandigarh was symbolic. It was here, in 1963, that the first batch of 13 MiG-21s was inducted, fulfilling the IAF’s demand for a high-altitude interceptor capable of countering threats like the American U-2 spy plane.
Among those flying alongside the Air Chief was Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, India’s seventh woman fighter pilot. Her presence underscored the MiG-21’s role in shaping generations of aviators, even as the IAF transitions to advanced platforms such as the French Rafale and the Russian Sukhoi Su-37.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior officers were present to witness the historic send-off.
