What's the story

The MiG-21, once the pride of the Indian Air Force (IAF) , is set to retire on Friday. The supersonic jet was first inducted into service in 1963 and became a mainstay of the IAF, making up two-thirds of its fighter fleet at one point. The decommissioning ceremony will take place at Chandigarh Air Force Station, where the MiG-21 was first inducted. The event will feature a flypast by six MiG-21s with each aircraft receiving a water cannon salute upon landing.

Combat prowess

Role in India's wars

The MiG-21 was originally designed as a high-altitude interceptor but was soon adapted by the IAF for close combat and ground attacks. It has been a cornerstone of India's aerial defense, participating in significant conflicts such as the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil

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