The Indian Air Force’s oldest and most trusted fighter jet, the MiG-21, will now become history. It will be retired after 60 years in a grand ceremony in Chandigarh on September 26th. The departure of this aircraft, which has proven its mettle in six decades of service and numerous wars, will be an emotional moment for the entire nation.
The MiG-21, which excelled in national service,
was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 and was the country’s first supersonic jet. It gave a tough fight to the enemy in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. It also played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence. From destroying Pakistani infiltration in the Kargil War to downing an F-16 in the 2019 Balakot strike, the MiG-21 has always been India’s aerial shield.
The Air Force has chosen Chandigarh
to bid farewell to the MiG-21, the place where the aircraft first arrived. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present at the ceremony. Around 1,000 former and current MiG-21 pilots will participate in the event. The event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will begin with a victory formation fly-past by the 23rd Squadron ‘Panthers’.
Highlights of the farewell
ceremony: Moments from the 1965 and 1971 wars will be recreated. Six MiG-21 aircraft will land simultaneously in front of the stage and switch off. Following this, the Commanding Officer of the 23rd Squadron will hand over the “Form-700” book to the Air Force Chief. This will mark the MiG-21’s official farewell. A Tejas fighter jet will also fly alongside, signaling that it will carry forward the MiG-21’s legacy.
From ‘Flying Coffin’ to ‘Sweet Heart’
Due to its long history of accidents, the MiG-21 was also known as the ‘Flying Coffin’. It was originally scheduled to be retired in the 1990s, but due to a shortage of new aircraft, it was continuously upgraded and kept in service. Despite this, Air Force pilots always called it ‘Sweet Heart’. In the words of former Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa – “Our sweet heart is leaving.”