​MiG-21's final flight: Highlights from decommissioning ceremony; farewell after 62 years of service​​

The MiG-21 era concluded with a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event, bringing an end to a historic chapter in India’s air power. The mighty warrior jet in the Indian air defence history took the final flight of pride in the Indian skies. (Pic credit: PTI)

India’s first supersonic fighter and interceptor, the MiG-21, was retired at a decommissioning event in Chandigarh at the same Chandigarh Air Force station base where it was first inducted. (Pic credit: PTI)

Incumbent Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and the chief guest of the culmination ceremony, defence minister Rajnath Singh arriving at the decommissioning ceromony at the Chandigarh Air Force station. The event started with the arrival of the defence minister. (Pic credit: PTI)

The iconic MiG-21 was accorded a traditional water cannon salute during its decommissioning ceremony at Chandigarh Air Force Station. As fire tenders arched streams of water over the aircraft, the symbolic gesture marked a dignified farewell to India’s first supersonic fighter, which has served the nation for over six decades. (Pic credit: PTI)

The mighty fighter jet paints the Indian skies in tricolor and bids farewell. This was followed by a majestic MiG-21 flypast, complemented by the precision display of the Air Warrior Drill Team and an aerial salute. (Pic credit: PTI)

In his address, defence minister Rajnath Singh said the MiG-21 has been a part of many crucial operations in India’s defence history. He also said that the fighter jet consistently proved its decisive capacity in multiple situations and its contribution goes far beyond a single war or incident. (Pic credit: PTI)

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh took the final sortie of the squadron with the call sign ‘Badal 3’, as the last of the MiG-21 jets from No. 23 Squadron, the ‘Panthers’, were bid farewell at the decommissioning ceremony. (Pic credit: PTI)

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and defence minister Rajnath Singh with senior military officers and fighter pilots during the decommissioning ceremony of the MiG-21, marking the end of its operational service with the Indian Air Force. (Pic credit: PTI)