Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the MiG-21 as a symbol of national pride and a testament to India’s deep-rooted ties with Russia during a heartfelt farewell ceremony at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. The MiG-21 has played a pivotal role in securing India’s skies for over 60 years.
The decommissioning ceremony on Friday marked the end of an era for the iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 aircraft, which served as the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat fleet since the 1960s.
Addressing the gathering, Singh reflected on the aircraft’s journey, stating, “The mighty machine upheld the country’s security on its wings for decades, shaping our confidence and strengthening our strategy.” With this emotional send-off, he emphasized the MiG-21’s role in numerous proud moments of military aviation history.
The MiG-21’s farewell signifies a remarkable 62-year-long service filled with valor. Singh proudly stated, “It has contributed immensely to our armed forces and has been a witness to many courageous actions.”
“As we gather here for the final operational sortie of the MiG-21, I feel emotions of pride and gratitude,” he added, reinforcing the aircraft’s significance in military operations.
Singh highlighted the operational feats of the MiG-21, recalling its involvement in pivotal conflicts, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, the Kargil War in 1999, and the Balakot air strikes in 2019. “The MiG-21 not only maintained the honour of our national flag but also played a critical role in decisive military missions,” he stated.
He further remarked, “Who can forget the day MiG-21 struck the Dhaka Governor House? That pivotal moment shaped the outcome of the 1971 war.” The Defence Minister underscored the MiG-21’s journey as a narrative that deserves to be enshrined in golden letters of military aviation history.
Singh reiterated the aircraft’s unmatched contribution to national security, emphasising the sheer numbers: over 11,500 MiG-21 aircraft produced globally, with around 850 remaining operational in the IAF. This high number underscores the jet’s credibility and versatility.
“This farewell represents our collective memories, woven with courage, sacrifice, and excellence,” Singh remarked. He described the MiG-21 not merely as a fighter jet but as an integral part of India’s aviation legacy, paralleling the respect given to soldiers on retirement.
Touching on the cultural aspects, Singh referred to the Indian tradition of respecting tools and instruments, likening the MiG-21 to a family member with whom Indians share a deep emotional connection. “Our ancient culture teaches us to show respect not just for human beings but everything that protects and empowers us,” he stated.
“As we bid farewell to this aircraft, we celebrate a chapter of our history. This isn’t merely a military event; it’s an expansion of our cultural tradition of gratitude,” he added.
Singh reassured that the MiG-21s recently decommissioned were not the same as those inducted in the 1960s and 1970s, clarifying misconceptions surrounding the aircraft’s age. “The MiG-21s we flew until now were at most 40 years old, which is normal when considering the lifespan of such aircraft,” he noted.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining advanced technical updates, indicating that the MiG-21 remained a formidable component of the IAF despite its age. “In many countries, similar fighter jets serve effectively for extended periods, and we have kept our MiG-21s up to date,” he concluded.
