Chandigarh, India -On 26th September, an epoch in Indian military aviation will come to an end as the Indian Air Force (IAF) officially retires the legendary fighter plane MiG-21. The decommissioning event, which will take place at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, will involve a salutary water fountain, which will be the last step in the service of the aircraft to its country over decades.
The Legacy of the MiG-21
The MiG 21 was the first supersonic jet to be introduced in the Indian fleet as it was introduced in the Indian Air Force in 1963. In the following decades it gained the core of the air defence of India and took a central role in a number of major military operations, most notably the 1971 Indo-Pak war, and thus gained a place in history as a nimble and a capable performer.
The IAF had over 800 MiG-21s at its peak thus making India one of the biggest operators of the aircraft in the world. Some called it the “Flying Coffin” because of its old-fashioned design and lack of safety during its later years, the plane, however, continues to be an icon in the minds of aviation lovers and veterans.
A Ceremonial Send-Off
The decommissioning ceremony being held at Chandigarh is not only that the aircraft is being retired, but also is a tribute to the thousands of pilots and technicians who served in the MiG-21 throughout the decades. To celebrate the aircraft the salute at the water cannon will be used, this is an old aviation practice of honouring an aircraft on the occasion of retirement or any other important event.
Indian Air Force top officials, retired well thorough veterans and dignitaries are expected to be present in the event and possibly reminisce the aircraft contributions to the defence preparedness of India and its legacy.
End of an Era, Beginning of a New Chapter
With the Indian Air Force on the path of modernization by having more sophisticated fighter jets like the Rafale and the Tejas, with the end of the MiG 21, the end of the life of the aircraft marks not only the end of the life of the aircraft but also the transformation of the Indian air power. Even though the MiG-21 may not be in the air, its heritage will continue to influence the generations of Indian pilots. Its history is that of bravery, technological success and a national devotion to defence.
