After six decades of service as a legendary fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, the MiG-21 was given a final farewell today. The farewell ceremony, held at Chandigarh Air Base, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh, and other dignitaries. The MiG-21’s operations were bid farewell today with a ceremonial flypast. Paratroopers from the Air Force’s Akash Ganga Team first saluted the MiG-21 by jumping from an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet. The MiG-21s then flew in two formations, forming a cloud-like formation. Aerial combat scenes were displayed between Jaguar and MiG-21 aircraft.

With its final roar, the MiG-21 became a chapter in the history of India’s air power. On this occasion, the Defence Minister said that there have been many occasions when the MiG-21 has proven its decisive capability. This aircraft was first inducted into the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet in Chandigarh in the 1960s. At that time, Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh led the first MiG-21 squadron in Chandigarh in 1963.