Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Thursday attended the de-induction and farewell ceremony of the Indian Air Force’s legendary MiG-21 fighter, marking the end of an era for the country’s first supersonic jet.

The ceremony, attended by veterans and serving officers, bid farewell to an aircraft that defined the IAF’s combat history for over six decades.

Shukla, who flew the MiG-21 during his early years as an Air Force pilot before being selected as an astronaut, recalled the aircraft as an inseparable part of his aviation journey.

“I will forever remember it. Your life moves ahead with the aircraft that you fly. For me, it is a personal journey of my growth with the aircraft, so I feel great to be here as we bid goodbye to this iconic aircraft,” he said.

Inducted into

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