Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the head of the Indian Air Force, recently took to the skies in a MiG-21 fighter jet, a month before the aircraft’s official retirement. This symbolic flight marked a poignant farewell to a plane that has served India for over six decades, playing a crucial role in various military operations.
The MiG-21, a Russian-designed aircraft, has been a mainstay of the Indian Air Force since its introduction. Its agility and maneuverability made it a formidable asset, notably during the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. Beyond these major conflicts, the MiG-21 also participated in several other significant engagements, including the downing of a Pakistani naval aircraft in 1999 and, famously, an F-16 in 2019.
The Air Chief Marshal’s participation in one of the final sorties wasn’t just a ceremonial event; it was a testament to the MiG-21’s enduring legacy and the respect it commands within the Indian Air Force. The IAF’s post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the Chief’s flight, emphasizing both the traditions represented by the MiG-21 and the transformative shift towards newer aircraft like the Tejas Mark K1A.
Following his flight, Air Chief Marshal Singh described the MiG-21 as an ‘amazing aircraft, very agile and maneuverable,’ expressing the sentiment that it will be greatly missed by all who have flown it. This sentiment is echoed throughout the IAF, where the aircraft’s retirement marks the end of an era.
The MiG-21’s retirement is not just about the phasing out of an old model. It signifies India’s modernization of its air force, with the Tejas Mark K1A set to replace the aging fleet. India has already committed to a $7.6 billion deal for 97 of these new light combat aircraft. Further investment in defense capabilities is also underway, including the $175 million development of an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, a stealth fighter intended for use by both the air force and navy. The future of Indian air power is clearly focused on advanced technology and cutting-edge capabilities.
