Farewell to the Workhorse: MiG-21 Fighter Jets' Last Flight

The Indian Air Force's iconic MiG-21 fighter jets, which have been the backbone of its combat operations for over six decades, took their final operational flights at the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner. This comes just a month before their formal retirement ceremony is scheduled in Chandigarh on September 26.

In a symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh personally flew solo sorties of the MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19. For decades, the MiG-21, a Russian-origin fighter jet, has trained generations of pilots and served the IAF with distinction.

Air Chief Marshal Singh remarked on the aircraft's reliability and evolution, noting that while the MiG-21 excelled as an interceptor, modern needs require advancements in technology, with jets like Tejas set to replace it. IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh highlighted its historical combat contributions, such as in the 1971 conflict and Kargil War.

(With inputs from agencies.)