Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh piloted the final MiG-21 flight at Chandigarh airbase as India retired the legendary fighter after six decades of distinguished service. The Soviet-era aircraft gained fame when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed a Pakistani F-16 following the 2019 Balakot operation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the ceremony alongside senior military leaders as the 23 Squadron Panthers bid farewell to their jets. The decommissioning marked the end of an aircraft that served with distinction during multiple conflicts.
The first MiG-21 squadron launched at Chandigarh on March 2, 1963, under Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh's command. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma became the final female pilot to fly the aircraft during ceremonial events. The retirement featured water cannon salutes and formation flights as officials honored the plane's combat record from the 1965 and 1971 conflicts. The indigenous Tejas fighter will assume the MiG-21's role.
The first MiG-21 squadron launched at Chandigarh on March 2, 1963, under Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh's command. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma became the final female pilot to fly the aircraft during ceremonial events. The retirement featured water cannon salutes and formation flights as officials honored the plane's combat record from the 1965 and 1971 conflicts. The indigenous Tejas fighter will assume the MiG-21's role.
