Leaving many with moist eyes, India’s first supersonic fighter jet, the MiG-21, roared into the skies one final time before making its last landing, paving the way for the next generation of fighters — the Tejas Mark 1A.
Drawing the curtains on a glorious chapter in India’s military history, the ‘Warhorse’ of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was given a befitting send-off during a farewell ceremony at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, the very base where its journey in the country first began.
In a final display for veterans and serving personnel, MiG-21s took to the skies in a three-aircraft Badal formation and a four-aircraft Panther formation.
As a mark of tribute to the retiring fighter, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew the squadron’s last sortie in the Badal formation under the call sign Badal 3. He was joined by Group Captain Nanda Rajender, Commanding Officer of the Panthers, who also participated in the farewell flight.
Before its final landing, the MiG-21 was escorted by two first-generation Tejas jets, symbolising a ceremonial passing of the torch to the new generation of fighters. After touchdown, six MiG-21s received the traditional water-cannon salute as they parked one last time, marking the end of 63 years of guarding India’s skies.
In a recent post on X about the retiring MiG-21s, the IAF wrote: “Six decades of service, countless tales of courage, a warhorse that carried the pride of a nation into the skies.”
Earlier, speaking to the media, Group Captain Nanda Rajender said, “We are honoured to be the last squadron to operate the MiG-21. For 62 years, it has been at the forefront of India’s aerial missions and stood as a guardian of our skies.”
A veteran with over 2,600 hours on MiGs (excluding the Bison variant), Group Captain Suresh Ratnaparkhi (Retd) called the fighter jet a beautiful aircraft. “It’s a beautiful aircraft but difficult to handle. It will not forgive you. But if you put up with that, then you have no problem. There is no better fighter aircraft than the MiG.”
Group Captain Tarun Singha (Retd), who served in the iconic Panther squadron, the last to house the MiG-21s, said flying the jet was a wonderful experience that will be cherished for life. As a parting message to the aircraft, Singha said: “Go ahead. We’ll join you.”