MiG-21 Retired: IAF Marks End of Legendary Fighter Era

RR Team

2 months ago

Chandigarh: The Indian Air Force (IAF) officially retired the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet today, ending an era of six decades of distinguished service. The decommissioning ceremony was held at Chandigarh Air Force Base with a final ceremonial sortie.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh led the last flight of the MiG-21 in an inverted ‘V’ formation. BAe Hawk Mk132 trainer aircraft and the Surya Kiran aerobatics team performed aerial manoeuvres, adding grandeur to the farewell event.

In a symbolic gesture, the Air Chief Marshal handed over the MiG-21’s Form 700 logbook to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Form 700 is the official technical log of a fighter jet, containing detailed maintenance records, technical issues, and flight history. Its handover marks the aircraft’s official retirement from service.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the MiG-21’s illustrious history, noting its critical role in conflicts and missions, including the 1971 war, Kargil conflict, Balakot airstrikes, and Operation Sindoor. “The MiG-21 has been a backbone of the IAF, providing unmatched strength to our forces in multiple operations,” he stated.

Form 700 serves multiple purposes: it records aircraft maintenance, logs technical faults, and acts as a communication tool between flight engineers and ground technicians. The logbook accompanies the aircraft during its service life, ensuring a comprehensive record of its operational health.

The retirement of the MiG-21 is a historic moment for the IAF and the nation. Known for its speed and agility, the aircraft has been instrumental in shaping India’s air defence strategy for over 60 years.

As the IAF ushers in modern aircraft to replace the MiG-21, the farewell ceremony symbolically honours the legacy of pilots, engineers, and defence personnel who served with the jet throughout decades of service.