• Source:JND
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MiG-21's Bid Adieu: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday showered praises on the legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, the backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet for more than six decades, saying there is deep attachment to the aircraft that shaped India's confidence. MiG-21 fighter streaked through Indian skies for the last time today -- its final adieu threaded through history and many a remembrance.

Calling the MiG-21 as a mighty machine and a national pride, Singh said, it was not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties.

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"The history of military aviation is incredible. The MiG 21 added many proud moments in our military aviation journey," Singh said while addressing an event in Chandigarh.

Toal 850 Fighter Jets Served In IAF: Rajnath Singh

There has been no fighter jet in the history of global military aviation made in such big numbers, the minister said. More than 11,500 MiG 21 aircraft were made. Of them, 850 fighter jets remained part of the IAF, he added.

"This number is the testimony of this aircraft's popularity, credibility and multi-dimensional capability," Singh said while pointing out that its contribution was not been limited to one incident or a war.

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MiG 21 Aircraft's Role In Wars

The Defence Minister also recalled its role in the 1971 war with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict as well as the 2019 Balakot air strikes. Besides him, former IAF chiefs AY Tipnis, SP Tyagi and BS Dhanoa, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's first man on the International Space Station, and scores of veterans, many who had piloted the aircraft, were present on the occasion.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew the sortie of the MiG-21 Bison aircraft with call sign Badal 3. Dilbagh Singh, who became the IAF chief in 1981, led the first MiG-21 Squadron here in 1963. The culmination of MiG-21 operations took place with a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event, marking the closure of a historic chapter in India's air power.

The country's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft were retired at the decommissioning event in Chandigarh, where it was first inducted. The ceremony began with the arrival of the minister, the chief guest at the occasion, followed by a spectacular display by IAF's elite skydiving team 'Akash Ganga', which skydived from a height of 8,000 feet. This was followed by a majestic flypast of the MiG-21 aircraft accompanied by precision of the air warrior drill team and an aerial salute.

(With PTI Inputs)