Journalism of Courage
The MiG‑21, inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963, retires after over six decades of service, marking the end of an era in Indian aviation (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The MiG‑21 played a pivotal role in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, earning its reputation as a reliable workhorse (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The decommissioning ceremony took place at Chandigarh Air Force Station, the same base where the MiG‑21 was first inducted, symbolizing a full-circle moment (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh piloted the final sortie of the MiG‑21, call sign ‘Badal 3’, during the farewell ceremony, marking a poignant farewell (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The MiG‑21, known as the “Flying Coffin” in its early years, earned respect for its agility and reliability, serving in multiple wars and challenging missions across decades (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, the last woman pilot to fly the MiG‑21, participated in the final flypast, highlighting the evolving role of women in combat aviation (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The ceremony featured a ceremonial flypast by six MiG‑21 jets from No. 23 Squadron “Panthers,” accompanied by a water cannon salute upon landing (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The IAF’s elite skydiving team, ‘Akash Ganga,’ performed a spectacular display, skydiving from 8,000 feet, adding grandeur to the farewell event (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The Surya Kiran aerobatic team captivated the audience with their breathtaking maneuvers, showcasing the precision and skill of IAF pilots (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with former IAF Chiefs and senior officials, attended the ceremony, paying tribute to the MiG‑21’s legacy (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The MiG‑21 was the first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft in the IAF, significantly enhancing India’s aerial combat capabilities (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Over 870 MiG‑21 aircraft were inducted into the IAF since its first arrival, underscoring its long-standing service and reliability (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Despite its age, the MiG‑21 remained operational for over six decades, a testament to the enduring challenges faced by the IAF (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The retirement of the MiG‑21 raises concerns about the IAF’s fighter squadron strength, as the Tejas aircraft currently cannot fully replace the MiG‑21’s capabilities (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Pilots and personnel shared heartfelt tributes, reminiscing about the MiG‑21’s role in shaping their careers and the IAF’s history (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the MiG‑21’s legacy, as it takes its final bow after over six decades of dedicated service (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
The MiG‑21’s retirement ceremony was a blend of nostalgia and pride, honoring its contributions while acknowledging the need for modernization (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
