Backbone of combat fleet, MiG-21 fighter jets set to retire from IAF

The legendary Russian-origin MiG-21 fighter jets, which have been the backbone of Indian Air Force's combat fleet for over six decades, are finally set to retire from the IAF at a decommissioning event in Chandigarh, where the iconic aircraft was first inducted over six decades ago.

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

The official culmination of MiG-21 operations is set for September 26 with a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event, marking the closure of a historic chapter in India’s air power.

The last of the MiG-21 jets, belonging to number 23 Squadron nicknamed “Panthers’, will be given a farewell at the decommissioning ceremony at the Chandigarh Air Force station.

On Friday, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, will fly the last sortie of the Squadron with the call sign ‘Badal 3.

Dilbagh Singh, who became the IAF chief in 1981, had led the first MiG-21 Squadron here in 1963.