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.<\/p>\n
With a legacy spanning over 60 years, the MiG-21 has significantly contributed to India’s security, according to Singh. He highlighted the aircraft\u2019s role in shaping India’s military strategy and boosting confidence among the armed forces.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Singh expressed his deep emotions of pride and gratitude as he remembered the valour of the armed forces associated with the aircraft. \u201cToday 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,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
He emphasized the MiG-21 as a testament to India’s enduring relationship with Russia. \u201cMiG-21 is more than an aircraft; it symbolizes a crucial alliance,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n
With over 11,500 MiG-21 units manufactured globally, of which 850 served in the IAF, Singh pointed to the aircraft\u2019s overwhelming popularity, credibility, and versatility. \u201cSuch production levels underscore its reliability in fulfilling various missions,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
Singh recalled the MiG-21\u2019s pivotal role in historic conflicts, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, the Kargil conflict in 1999, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. \u201cIn every major military operation over the decades, the MiG-21 proved its mettle, bolstering our defense capabilities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the aircraft\u2019s strategic importance in the 1971 war, he remarked, \u201cThe MiG-21 played a vital role in decisive moments. Its missions significantly influenced the outcome, such as the attack on the Dhaka Governor House.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis farewell is not merely a ceremony; it encapsulates our memories and pride as a nation,\u201d Singh added, conveying gratitude for the contributions of the aircraft.<\/p>\n
Singh likened the honour bestowed on the MiG-21 to the respect given to retiring soldiers. \u201cAs we bid farewell to this aircraft, we also pay tribute to a guardian that has shouldered our security,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Defence Minister framed the ceremony within the broader context of India\u2019s cultural traditions. \u201cIn 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,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust as families conduct rituals to honor their members, we should similarly pay homage to our steadfast protector, the MiG-21,\u201d Singh continued.<\/p>\n
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, \u201cMiG-21s from the 1960s and 1970s have long been decommissioned. The active fleet was regularly updated, enabling these aircraft to meet contemporary challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rajnath Singh concluded by reiterating the MiG-21\u2019s deep-rooted significance in India’s defense history. \u201cFor us, the MiG-21 is akin to a family member, embodying an unmatched journey of courage and resilience in military aviation,\u201d he said, cementing its place as a symbol of national pride.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the MiG-21 as a symbol of national pride, marking its decommissioning with gratitude for its contributions to India’s military history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2709,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2710","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n