NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Indian Air Force officially retired its iconic MiG-21 fighter jet after nearly 60 years of service. Veteran pilot Group Captain Malik shared his emotional connection to the aircraft, having flown it for 24 years. The MiG-21 played a crucial role in key conflicts, including the 1971 war where it struck targets in Dhaka. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the decommissioning ceremony, marking the end of an era for India's air power.

Key Points: Veteran Pilot Malik Bids Emotional Farewell to IAF MiG-21 Retirement

  • MiG-21 served as India's first supersonic fighter for nearly six decades
  • The aircraft proved its combat effectiveness in the 1971 war and Kargil conflict
  • It trained generations of IAF pilots and was known as a challenging yet rewarding jet
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the decommissioning ceremony in Chandigarh
2 min read

Nothing better than this aircraft: Group Captain Malik on decommissioning of MiG-21 fighter plane

As the IAF retires its iconic MiG-21 fleet, Group Captain Malik shares emotional memories of flying the supersonic fighter for 24 years. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends the ceremony.

"I swear there is nothing better than this aircraft... - Group Captain Malik (Retd.)"

Chandigarh, September 26

As the Indian Air Force retires its iconic MiG-21 aircraft on Friday veteran pilots reminisced about the legend that trained generations and defended the nation.

Ahead of the decommissioning of the MiG-21 fighter aircraft fleet in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, 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.

Rajnath Singh in a post on social media platforms X today wrote that he would attend the decommissioning ceremony Chandigarh.

"Today, 26th September, I shall be in Chandigarh. Shall attend the Decommissioning ceremony of IAF's MiG-21. Looking forward to it."After serving for six decades, the iconic MiG-21 is going to retire today," Singh posted today.

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.

Known as the "backbone of the IAF," the MiG-21 was also fielded in the Kargil war.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the MiG-21 served us well, it's high time we retired these aging aircraft. The safety record hasn't been great in recent years. Hope the new Rafales and Tejas can fill the gap effectively.
P
Priya S
My father was an IAF technician who worked on MiG-21s for 30 years. This aircraft put food on our table and educated me and my siblings. Emotional day for our family too. 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
The fact that this aircraft shot down F-16 in 2019 shows its capability even at 60 years old! True warrior till the end. But progress is necessary - welcome to modern fighter jets era!
M
Michael C
As an aviation enthusiast, the MiG-21 has one of the most distinctive silhouettes in military aviation history. India maintained these aircraft remarkably well given their age. Respect to the engineers and pilots!
K
Kavya N
Mixed feelings indeed. While we honor its service, we must also remember the young pilots we lost due to technical issues. Hope the IAF gets better maintenance and newer aircraft soon. Safety should be priority number one.
V
Vikram M
The MiG-21 was like that reliable old uncle who might look dated but could still teach the youngsters a thing

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50