New Delhi
The fighter jet MiG-21, which maintains its reign in the 60s and 70s in the sky of India, is retiring in September. 23 Squadron, known as Panthers, participated in every small and big war in India. After being part of the Indian Air Force for more than 60 years, it will now be bid farewell to a ceremony on Chandigarh Airbase on 19 September. Know how the journey of MiG-21 after joining the Indian Air Force in 1963…
The history of the MiG-21 fighter aircraft was mixed. This fighter jet was bought by India from the Soviet Union. It was then included in the Indian Air Force in 1963. After joining the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited made several aircraft in India. In the 1960s and 70s, the Indian Air Force gave a strategic lead at that time with the presence of MiG-21 squadron in the sky. War with Pakistan in 1965, Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, Kargil War in 1999 and MiG-21 in Balakot strike in 2019 were instrumental. The ongoing operation sindoor is also in the MiG-21 squadron alert mode.
‘Udta coffin’ named after accidents
Where on the one hand, the Indian Air Force was empowered by MiG-21 with its presence in the sky in the 60-70s. On the other hand, its technology began to weaken over time. Due to many accidents, it was also named ‘Udta Coffin’. In your era, MiG-21 was nothing special in front of the latest technology aircraft. However, in the 60-70s it was counted among the best fighter jets. It will now be retired on September 19 after 62 years on its old technology and the question arising after the accidents. At the same time, after the farewell of Panthers squadron, the number of fighter squadrons in the Indian Air Force will be reduced to 29. Which is the lowest since the 1960s. Even in 1965 there were 32 fighter squadrons.
MiG-21 did wonders in every war
Aviation expert Angad Singh said, ‘No other fighter jet was associated with the Indian Air Force for so long. It has been jet for two-thirds time in the 93-year history of the Air Force. It has contributed significantly on every front from 1965 to Operation Sindoor. Today it contributes to the career of every Indian fighter pilot. There is no doubt that this great aircraft in the Indian sky will be an emotional farewell.
According to sources, the farewell ceremony of MiG-21 will include big Air Force officers and old soldiers. There will also be an exhibition of flytas and aircraft on this occasion. MiG-21 has set a record for the longest Air Force service. India bought more than 850 aircraft of MiG-21, including trainer aircraft. Around 600 aircraft were built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India.
Delay in delivery of indigenous aircraft
The use of these aircraft worldwide is now over, but the Air Force has been extending their deadline. Because modern fighter aircraft have not yet been found to replace them. It was earlier decided that Light Combat Aircraft would be replaced by MiG-21 squadron, but delivery of these indigenous aircraft has been delayed.