Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honoured the MiG-21 fighter jet, stating it is not merely an aircraft but a symbol of national pride and the robust relationship between India and Russia. He delivered these remarks at the decommissioning ceremony of the MiG-21 at the Chandigarh Air Force Station on Friday.
With a legacy spanning over 60 years, the MiG-21 has significantly contributed to India’s security, according to Singh. He highlighted the aircraft’s role in shaping India’s military strategy and boosting confidence among the armed forces.
The iconic MiG-21, a cornerstone of Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat fleet, flew for the last time, marking the end of an era. Initially inducted in the 1960s, the MiG-21 has served the IAF with distinction for more than six decades.
Singh expressed his deep emotions of pride and gratitude as he remembered the valour of the armed forces associated with the aircraft. “Today marks the final operational sortie of the MiG-21. We are not just bidding farewell to an aircraft; we are celebrating a monumental chapter in military aviation history,” he stated.
He emphasized the MiG-21 as a testament to India’s enduring relationship with Russia. “MiG-21 is more than an aircraft; it symbolizes a crucial alliance,” he remarked.
With over 11,500 MiG-21 units manufactured globally, of which 850 served in the IAF, Singh pointed to the aircraft’s overwhelming popularity, credibility, and versatility. “Such production levels underscore its reliability in fulfilling various missions,” he noted.
Singh recalled the MiG-21’s pivotal role in historic conflicts, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, the Kargil conflict in 1999, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. “In every major military operation over the decades, the MiG-21 proved its mettle, bolstering our defense capabilities,” he said.
Highlighting the aircraft’s strategic importance in the 1971 war, he remarked, “The MiG-21 played a vital role in decisive moments. Its missions significantly influenced the outcome, such as the attack on the Dhaka Governor House.”
“This farewell is not merely a ceremony; it encapsulates our memories and pride as a nation,” Singh added, conveying gratitude for the contributions of the aircraft.
Singh likened the honour bestowed on the MiG-21 to the respect given to retiring soldiers. “As we bid farewell to this aircraft, we also pay tribute to a guardian that has shouldered our security,” he said.
The Defence Minister framed the ceremony within the broader context of India’s cultural traditions. “In our ancient culture, we respect not just living beings but all tools that help protect us. Today, we perform a cultural ritual, instilling respect for the MiG-21’s legacy,” he explained.
“Just as families conduct rituals to honor their members, we should similarly pay homage to our steadfast protector, the MiG-21,” Singh continued.
The Minister acknowledged public perceptions regarding the age of the aircraft, clarifying that the MiG-21 operated until recently was about 40 years old, a lifespan typical for such aircraft worldwide. He asserted, “MiG-21s from the 1960s and 1970s have long been decommissioned. The active fleet was regularly updated, enabling these aircraft to meet contemporary challenges.”
Rajnath Singh concluded by reiterating the MiG-21’s deep-rooted significance in India’s defense history. “For us, the MiG-21 is akin to a family member, embodying an unmatched journey of courage and resilience in military aviation,” he said, cementing its place as a symbol of national pride.
