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Key Points

The Indian Air Force has officially retired the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet after nearly six decades of service. Squadron Leader SS Tyagi, who holds the record for most flying hours on the aircraft, gave it 80 percent of the credit for India's victory in the 1971 war. Retired Group Captain Malik shared emotional memories, stating the jet was a part of his life for 24 years. The MiG-21 leaves behind a storied legacy, having struck key targets in Dhaka and shot down advanced enemy aircraft across multiple conflicts.

Key Points: MiG 21 Pilot Credits Iconic Fighter for 80 Percent of 1971 War Victory

  • Squadron Leader SS Tyagi credits MiG-21 for 80 percent of victory in the 1971 war
  • The iconic fighter conducted rocketry, gunnery, and bombings in the conflict
  • Group Captain Malik calls retirement an emotional moment after flying it for 24 years
  • The MiG-21 shot down enemy jets from F-104s in 1971 to an F-16 in 2019
3 min read

MiG 21 decommissioned: Squadron leader says 80 pc credit for 1971 war victory goes to iconic fighter

As the MiG-21 retires after 60 years, top pilots share emotional tributes, crediting the aircraft for India's 1971 war win and recalling its unmatched legacy.

"I would give 80% of the credit to MIG-21 for our victory in 1971 - Squadron Leader SS Tyagi"

Chandigarh, September 26

As the Indian Air Force's MiG-21 fighter aircraft took its final bow in Chandigarh on Friday after six decades of service, completing its last flypast Squadron leader SS Tyagi, known for the highest flying hours onboard the plane, gave it 80 per cent credit for the victory in the 1971 war.

Speaking to ANI, Tyagi said that the iconic figher planes had conducted rocketry, gunnery, and dropped bombs during the 1971 war.

"We passed on our learnings to our juniors. Amid all the lessons and training, my flying hours kept increasing. I had never thought I had to reach this milestone... We didnt have many aircraft in 1965... MiG-21 actually participated in a war in 1971, where it did rocketry, gunnery, dropped bombs, and achieved various targets in Dhaka... I would give 80% of the credit to MIG-21 for our victory in 1971..." Tyagi told ANI.

Group Captain Malik (Retd.) said that bidding farewell to the aircraft was an emotional moment since it had been a part of his life.

Speaking to ANI, Malik said that in the three versions of the MIG-21s that he had flown, there was nothing better than the country's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft,.

"I have flown all three versions of MiG-21s for almost 24 years... It was my life, and now it is going to be a part of my life. It's a mixed feeling... Each moment is emotional when we are bidding farewell to this aircraft, and I swear there is nothing better than this aircraft..."Malik told ANI.

The aircraft leaves behind a record of unmatched service and a legacy that will be remembered as India transitions to a new generation of fighter jets.

Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has served for nearly six decades and has been a cornerstone of India's air power. The first squadron, the 28 Squadron, raised in Chandigarh, was nicknamed 'First Supersonics' as India's first supersonic fighter.

The MiG-21 aircraft saw extensive action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it proved its combat effectiveness. Over the decades, it has trained generations of fighter pilots, many of whom recall it as both challenging and rewarding to master.

In the 1971 war, MiG-21s struck the Governor's residence in Dhaka, leading to Pakistan's surrender. The aircraft has shot down multiple generations of enemy fighters, from F-104s in 1971 to the F-16 in 2019, making it one of the most battle-tested jets in IAF history.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I respect the MiG-21's service, 80% credit seems a bit high. The victory was achieved through combined efforts of all three armed forces. Let's not forget the contributions of our soldiers on ground and navy personnel.
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Priya S
My grandfather was in IAF and always spoke about the MiG-21 with such pride. He said it was tough to handle but once you mastered it, nothing could beat it. End of an era indeed! 🛩️
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Rohit P
The fact that this aircraft served for 60 years and even shot down an F-16 in 2019 shows how capable it was. But time to welcome modern fighters like Rafale and Tejas. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
Impressive service record! From 1971 to 2019 - that's remarkable longevity for any military aircraft. The emotional attachment these pilots have is understandable after flying it for 24 years.
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Kavya N
Bhai, this aircraft was part of our childhood! Every Republic Day we used to wait for the MiG-21 flypast. Sad to see it go but proud of its service. Hope they preserve some in museums for future generations.
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Vikram M

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