India bid an emotional farewell to the legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, which have been the backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet for more than six decades, on Friday, as the fighters took to the skies one last time.
The decommissioning ceremony, featuring ceremonial flypasts, a water cannon salute, and the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, top military leadership, and decorated IAF veterans, took place at Chandigarh Air Force Station, where the MiG-21 was first inducted in 1963.
MiG-21 jets, belonging to No. 23 Squadron of the IAF, took part in the flypast ceremony and were given a water cannon salute. The Jaguar and the Tejas aircraft also took part in the ceremony.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew the sortie of the MiG-21 Bison aircraft with call sign 'Badal 3'.
The Surya Kiran aerobatic team also enthralled the audience with their breathtaking stunts.
MiG-21 proof of India-Russia ties: Rajnath Singh
Describing the fighter jets as a mighty machine and a national pride, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there is a deep attachment to the aircraft that shaped our confidence. "MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties," he said.
"The history of military aviation is incredible. The MiG-21 added many proud moments in our military aviation journey."
He observed that no fighter jet in the history of global military aviation was made in such big numbers, adding that of the more than 11,500 MiG-21 aircraft made, 850 fighter jets remained part of the IAF.
"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.
The minister also recalled its role in the 1971 war with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict as well as the 2019 Balakot air strikes.