Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday declared the MiG-21 a national pride and a reflection of strong Indo-Russian ties during its decommissioning at Chandigarh Air Force Station. Singh emphasized the jet’s unmatched journey of over 60 years, highlighting its pivotal role in safeguarding the nation.
The iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, long a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its journey amid emotional farewells. It served in the IAF since the 1960s and flew its last operational sortie, marking the end of a significant era in India’s military aviation history. Singh noted, “The MiG-21 has been a witness to some of the bravest moments of our armed forces, and its presence has bolstered our national security for decades.”
As he recalled the aircraft’s rich heritage, Singh spoke of the MiG-21’s contributions to key operations including the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Kargil conflict in 1999, and the Balakot air strikes in 2019. He stated, “From the 1971 war to the Kargil operations, the MiG-21 always provided exceptional power to our armed forces.” Each mission was a testament to the aircraft’s capability and relevance to India’s defence strategy.
Citing impressive statistics, Singh pointed out that over 11,500 MiG-21s were produced globally, with 850 still in IAF service, solidifying the aircraft’s status as a symbol of reliability and versatility in military aviation. “This figure underscores the MiG-21’s popularity and multi-dimensional capabilities in various combat scenarios,” he remarked.
Singh shared poignant memories tied to the MiG-21, recalling significant missions that underscored its importance to national security. “Who can forget the moment the MiG-21 took flight in a challenging mission against Pakistan, determining the battlefield’s outcome?” he asked, underscoring the emotional connection shared by countless airmen who flew the aircraft.
The Defence Minister articulated a deeper perspective on the aircraft’s significance. He reflected on India’s ancient culture, equating the aircraft’s farewell to a traditional ‘puja,’ a ceremony recognizing gratitude towards tools that serve and protect. He noted, “In our civilization, we show respect not just for living beings but also for every element contributing to our security. Thus, the MiG-21 deserves our utmost respect and honor.”
Reiterating the aircraft’s cultural significance, Singh compared the send-off to that of a retired soldier, stating, “Today, we honor this mighty machine just as we would honor the warriors who served our nation with valor. The MiG-21, like a family member, deeply resonates with our collective memory of courage, sacrifice, and excellence.”
Despite its age, the Defence Minister clarified misconceptions about the MiG-21’s operational history, noting that the jets recently in service were not the original models inducted in the 1960s and 1970s. “The aircraft we operated were around 40 years old, a standard lifespan for such jets,” he explained, asserting that many nations retain older fighter jets, provided they are consistently updated technically.
As the MiG-21 retired from active duty, Singh emphasized its crucial role in boosting India’s confidence and strategic standing globally. Quote Singh, “The 60-year journey of the MiG-21 remains unparalleled in military aviation. This aircraft stood tirelessly as a shield for our nation, and its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of aviators and defense personnel.”
