The Indian Air Drive bids farewell to the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet after six a long time of service. From the 1965 and 1971 wars to the Balakot strike, here is a have a look at its superb legacy because it takes its ultimate flight in Chandigarh.
After serving as India’s aerial protect for almost six a long time, the long-lasting MiG-21 fighter jet is ready to bid farewell to the skies on Friday in Chandigarh. The Indian Air Drive (IAF) has deliberate a grand send-off, with full-dress rehearsals already performed on Wednesday (September 24). In the course of the observe, MiG-21s flew in formation alongside Jaguars and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Group, whereas the Akash Ganga skydivers surprised the viewers by leaping from a peak of almost 4,000 ft.
Reliving the glory of 1965 and 1971 wars
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh will himself take the cockpit of the MiG-21 to mark the emotional farewell. Final month, he flew the plane from Rajasthan’s Nal Air Base. The historic ultimate sortie will likely be led by Squadron Chief Priya Sharma. Particular recreations of the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars will convey alive MiG-21’s legendary fight moments. As per particulars, the IAF’s twenty third Squadron, referred to as the “Panthers”, will soar in a victory formation, adopted by a “Cloud” formation of MiG-21s flying alongside India’s indigenous Tejas plane. This symbolic gesture will present the transition from MiG-21 to the trendy Tejas, carrying ahead the nation’s air dominance.
Water cannon salute to mark retirement
The emotional climax of the farewell will see six MiG-21s touchdown collectively in entrance of the primary stage earlier than being switched off ceaselessly. In step with IAF custom, the plane will obtain a water cannon salute earlier than retirement. With this ceremony, each operational squadrons of the MiG-21–the Cobras and the Panthers–will be decommissioned. The occasion will likely be graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Workers Common Anil Chauhan, the chiefs of all three providers, six former IAF chiefs and commanders-in-chief from all IAF instructions.
A wonderful legacy of the MiG-21
The MiG-21, designed by the Soviet Union within the Fifties, was inducted into the IAF in 1963. India went on to accumulate a complete of 874 plane with the ultimate upgraded “Bison” model becoming a member of service in 2013. From the 1965 and 1971 wars in opposition to Pakistan to the Kargil battle, the MiG-21 has been on the coronary heart of India’s aerial victories. Within the 1971 struggle, it famously bombed the Dhaka Governor Home throughout a vital assembly, shattering the morale of East Pakistan’s management and forcing them in the direction of give up. Extra not too long ago in 2019, a MiG-21 Bison shot down Pakistan’s superior F-16 fighter through the Balakot battle, proving its continued relevance even in trendy aerial fight.
MiG-21: Accident-prone and ageing
One of many largest causes behind the phasing out is the MiG-21’s poor security report. Greater than 400 MiG-21s have crashed since their induction, as per experiences. Many of those accidents have been attributed to outdated expertise, engine failures, and poor serviceability. Regardless of a number of upgrades and extensions of service life, the plane remained accident-prone. The MiG-21 has lengthy struggled with mechanical issues and the excessive variety of crashes through the years earned it the grim nickname “flying coffin”. It isn’t the one unsettling label related to the jet in India because it has additionally been known as the “widow maker”.
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