Backbone Of Combat Fleet, MiG-21 Set To Retire From IAF On September 26

The iconic Russian-made MiG-21 fighter jets, which have served as the cornerstone of the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities for more than six decades, will officially retire from service on September 26.

The aircraft was instrumental during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes against Pakistan.

Chandigarh:

The final squadron of MiG-21 jets, known as No. 23 Squadron or "Panthers," will receive a ceremonial farewell at the decommissioning event held at Chandigarh Air Force Station.

The retirement ceremony will be attended by prominent military leadership including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Friday.

The formal conclusion of MiG-21 operations is scheduled for September 26 with a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event in Chandigarh, the same location where these legendary aircraft were first introduced to the IAF in 1963, marking the end of a significant chapter in India's military aviation history.

A complete dress rehearsal for the retirement ceremony was conducted at the IAF station in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

The MiG-21 fighters had been the primary combat aircraft for the IAF for many years. Following their initial induction, the Indian Air Force acquired more than 870 MiG-21s to enhance its overall combat effectiveness.

These fighter jets were crucial military assets during the 1965 and 1971 conflicts with Pakistan.

The aircraft also demonstrated their strategic importance during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.

Previously, the IAF's MiG-21 fighter jets conducted their final operational flights at Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan's Bikaner, one month before the formal retirement ceremony scheduled for Friday in Chandigarh.