The Indian Air Force (IAF) will bid farewell to its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets today after more than sixty years of service. These Russian-made jets have been the backbone of India’s combat fleet since their induction over six decades ago.
The final send-off will happen on September 26 at the Air Force Station in Chandigarh. The ceremony will include a flypast and a formal decommissioning to close a historic chapter in Indian air power.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh will fly the last mission of the 23 Squadron, also known as the “Panthers.” His sortie will carry the call sign “Badal 3.” In 1963, Dilbagh Singh, who later became IAF Chief, flew the first MiG-21 squadron at the same base.
The IAF saluted the aircraft on social media, calling it a “warhorse that carried the pride of a nation into the skies.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and other senior leaders will attend the event. Six former IAF chiefs are also expected to witness this emotional farewell.
