After six decades of service as the Indian Air Force’s legendary workhorse, the Russian-origin MiG-21 fighter jet is set to be officially retired. A decommissioning ceremony will be held today in Chandigarh, the city where the iconic aircraft was first inducted into the IAF’s combat fleet in the 1960s.
The culmination of MiG-21 operations is set for today with a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event, marking the closure of a historic chapter in India’s air power.
During the ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest. He will be joined by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Retired Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that MiG-21 is a legendary icon of the Indian Air Force, and a fearless warrior that has etched its valour across generations.
