How many MiG-21 fighter jets were produced globally, and how many were in India? Rajnath Singh revealed the figures.

News Topical, Digital Desk : A chapter in the glorious history of the Indian Air Force came to an end on Friday when the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter aircraft, which had roared through the skies for over six decades, took its final flight in Chandigarh. Amid sunshine and clear blue skies, the Russian-origin supersonic aircraft, which had been an integral part of the Indian Air Force since the 1960s, was given a grand farewell. On this historic occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the MiG-21 as a "national pride" and a symbol of the strong India-Russia relationship.

'The MiG-21 is not just an aircraft or a machine'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the farewell ceremony held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, said, "The MiG-21 is not just an aircraft or a machine, but a testimony to the strong India-Russia relationship. The history of military aviation is remarkable. The MiG-21 has added many proud moments to our military aviation journey. No fighter aircraft has been produced in such large numbers in the history of military aviation worldwide. More than 11,500 MiG-21s were produced worldwide, and 850 of them served in the Indian Air Force. This number is a testament to the aircraft's popularity, reliability, and multi-faceted capabilities. The MiG-21 has witnessed many heroic actions. Its contribution is not limited to any single incident or war."

'There have been many occasions in history when...'

Rajnath Singh highlighted the aircraft's decisive role in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, the 1999 Kargil War, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. He said, "There have been many occasions in history when the MiG-21 has proven its decisive capability. We are gathered here for the MiG-21's final flight. I feel proud and grateful to be among you. Today, as we bid farewell to the MiG-21 from its operational journey, I feel we are bidding farewell to a chapter that will be written in golden letters in the history of military aviation." The MiG-21 was formally decommissioned at a grand ceremony held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, where it was first inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was also present.

Former Air Force chiefs AY Tipnis, SP Tyagi, and BS Dhanoa, along with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, were present at the MiG-21's farewell. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew the MiG-21 Bison, callsign "Badal 3." Dilbagh Singh, who became Air Force Chief in 1981, had commanded the first MiG-21 squadron here in 1963. The ceremony included a spectacular display by the IAF's "Akash Ganga" skydiving team from an altitude of 8,000 feet. Three MiG-21s flew in the "Badal" formation, and four in the "Panther" formation. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team mesmerized the audience with their stunning maneuvers. The Vayu Yodha drill team performed an aerial salute with precise performances. Along with the MiG-21 jets of the 23rd Squadron, Jaguar and Tejas aircraft also participated in the flypast. 

The MiG-21 has a glorious history

The MiG-21, inducted into the Indian Air Force in the 1960s, was the country's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft. The Air Force purchased more than 870 MiG-21s to enhance its combat capability. These aircraft played a key role in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani wars, the 1999 Kargil War, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The MiG-21 flew its last operational sortie last month from the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, Rajasthan. With the departure of the MiG-21, the Indian Air Force is now focusing on modern aircraft such as the Tejas and Rafale.

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