Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 26: A glorious chapter in India’s aviation history came to a close on Friday as the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet, fondly known as the ‘Warhorse’ of the Indian Air Force (IAF), took its final flight after serving the nation with pride for over six decades.

Veterans and serving officers alike described the decommissioning as an emotional moment. The MiG-21, inducted into the IAF in 1963, had stood as the backbone of the country’s aerial defence through some of the most crucial battles — from the 1965 and 1971 wars to the Kargil conflict in 1999, the Balakot airstrikes of 2019, and even the recently executed Operation Sindoor.

Air Marshal (Retd) O P Tiwari, reminiscing about the aircraft’s stellar service, said, “Russia first produced the MiG-21 in 1959. India acquired its first squadron in 1963. Over the years, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) produced nearly 600 units domestically. The MiG-21 has been the main strength of the IAF for decades.”

Highlighting the aircraft’s combat history, he added, “From 1971 to Kargil, whether it was the Balakot strikes or Operation Sindoor, MiG-21 always played a crucial role. It is truly a moment filled with emotions for all of us who have flown it.”

The official farewell ceremony was held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station — the very base where the MiG-21 was first inducted. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Air Chief Marshal A P Singh attended the event that featured a ceremonial flypast and a symbolic decommissioning of the fleet.

In a touching tribute, Air Chief Marshal Singh flew a sortie alongside Squadron Leader Priya in a formation, honouring both the heritage of the aircraft and the future of the IAF. The final flight, led by No. 23 Squadron “Panthers,” saw the MiG-21 pass the torch to the indigenous LCA Tejas.

Group Captain Nanda Rajender, Commanding Officer of the Panthers, reflected with pride, “We are honoured to be the last squadron to operate the MiG-21. For 62 years, it has been at the forefront of India’s aerial missions and stood as a guardian of our skies.”

Air Commodore (Retd) Nitin Sathe described the MiG-21 as more than just an aircraft: “It has been a symbol of courage and innovation, a trusted companion in war and peace, and the proving ground for generations of IAF fighter pilots.”

In a social media post, the IAF summed up the sentiment: “Six decades of service, countless tales of courage — a warhorse that carried the pride of a nation into the skies.”

As the roar of its engines faded over Chandigarh, the MiG-21 left behind a legacy etched in India’s defence history — a saga of courage, valour, and unwavering service to the nation.