Marking the end of an era, the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally decommissioned its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets at a grand ceremony held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station on Friday.

Inducted in the early 1960s, the MiG-21 was the IAF’s first supersonic jet and played a pivotal role in ushering the force into the jet age.

After more than six decades of distinguished service, the last of the MiG-21s, from No. 23 Squadron, famously known as the "Panthers", were given an emotional farewell. The event drew several high-profile attendees, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and former Air Chiefs S P Tyagi and B S Dhanoa. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and other serving personnel were also present.

In a symbolic final tribute, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh took to the skies in t

See Full Page