End of an era: IAF bids final goodbye to MiG-21

September 26, 2025 1:31 PM

End of an era: IAF bids final goodbye to MiG-21

After nearly six decades of service, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday retired its legendary MiG-21 fighter jet, taking its final sortie in a decommissioning ceremony at Chandigarh Air Force Station in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 became the backbone of India’s air power, training generations of pilots and proving its mettle in multiple conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil War. The aircraft played a pivotal role in the...

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend MiG-21 decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh

September 26, 2025 11:26 AM

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend MiG-21 decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be in Chandigarh on Friday to attend the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) MiG-21 decommissioning ceremony, marking the retirement of the iconic fighter jet after nearly six decades of service. In a post on X, Singh wrote: “Today, 26th September, I shall be in Chandigarh. Shall attend the Decommissioning ceremony of IAF’s MiG-21. Looking forward to it.” Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has been a cornerstone of India’s air power. The first squadron, 28 Squadron...