MiG-21 fleet retires after 62 years, fies in Indian skies for last time

The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet for more than six decades, streaked through Indian skies for the last time on Friday - its final adieu threaded through history and many a remembrance.

- TDG NETWORK

The sun shone bright, the skies were cloudless and a brilliant blue, providing a picture perfect setting for the elaborate farewell to the Russian origin warhorse that was inducted into the TAF in the 1960s.

Describing the MiG-21 as amighty machine and a national pride, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there is deep attachment to the aircraft that shaped our confidence.

“MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties,” the minister said at the decommissioning ceremony of MiG-21 at the IAF station here.