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IAF's MiG-21 retires: Just as we honour our soldiers upon retirement, we salute this mighty machine today: Rajnath
IAF's MiG-21 retires: Ceremony to accord farewell to fighter jet begins at Chandigarh Air Force Station
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At the decommissioning ceremony of MiG-21 at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says the iconic machine's contribution will always be remembered with the same respect and gratitude reserved for the country’s brave soldiers.
As the Russian-origin MiG-21 touches down on the tarmac at Chandigarh for the last time today, having emblazoned the skies over the Indian subcontinent for 62 long years, it leaves in its wake some defining moments in India’s military history.
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Related news: Traffic curbs for air show in Chandigarh today
The ceremony is being organised to mark the culmination of flying operations by the Russian-origin MiG-21 at the same place from where its chequered journey had begun in 1963.
MiG-21 is a mighty machine, national pride and defence shield; we have deep attachment to it, it shaped our confidence: Rajnath Singh
September 26, 2025 12:30 pm
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MiG 21 is not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties, says Defence Minister
September 26, 2025 12:36 pm
'80% credit for 1971 war victory goes to MiG-21'
September 26, 2025 12:18 pm
Squadron leader SS Tyagi, known for the highest flying hours onboard the plane, gave MiG-21 80 per cent credit for the victory in the 1971 war. Tyagi said that the iconic figher planes had conducted rocketry, gunnery, and dropped bombs during the 1971 war. "We passed on our learnings to our juniors. Amid all the lessons and training, my flying hours kept increasing. I had never thought I had to reach this milestone... We didnt have many aircraft in 1965... MiG-21 actually participated in a war in 1971, where it did rocketry, gunnery, dropped bombs, and achieved various targets in Dhaka... I would give 80% of the credit to MIG-21 for our victory in 1971..." Tyagi said.
September 26, 2025 12:13 pm
September 26, 2025 12:09 pm
Air Chief, with call sign Badal-3, flies a three-aircraft formation along with an air commodore and a group capt
September 26, 2025 11:50 am
September 26, 2025 11:41 am
September 26, 2025 11:38 am
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the event besides former IAF chiefs S P Tyagi and BS Dhanoa. IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla also present
September 26, 2025 11:36 am
MiG 21 flies into history today
September 26, 2025 11:36 am
Chandigarh begins ceremonial farewell to the Indian Air Force’s MiG-21 fighter jet on September 26 at the Air Force Station, the Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for the general public.
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