MiG-21 flies through 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 Friday — its final adieu threaded through history and many a remembrance.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

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 IAF in the 1960s.

Describing the MiG-21 as a mighty 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.

“The history of military aviation is incredible. The

MiG-21 added many proud moments to our military aviation journey,” Singh told the gathering.