Fri Sep 26 15:43:04 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Iconic MiG-21 Fighters Phased Out; Former Pilot and Minister Reflects on Legacy**
**Hyderabad, September 26, 2025 (The Hindu)** – The Indian Air Force (IAF) today officially retired its MiG-21 fighter aircraft, the nation’s first supersonic jet, marking the end of an era for many pilots who flew and maintained the iconic plane.
Among those sharing a deeply personal connection to the MiG-21 is Telangana’s Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, a former IAF fighter pilot himself. Speaking with The Hindu, Minister Reddy became emotional as he recalled his years in the Air Force and his experience with the aircraft.
“I flew the MiG-21 in Tezpur in Assam on the Indo-China border and subsequently the MiG-23 in the western sector,” Reddy stated. “The MiG-21 was a challenging aircraft to master, but it gave generations of pilots like me the thrill of supersonic flying. I feel proud to have been part of its legacy and also a bit emotional as it bows out.”
Reddy, a graduate of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakvasla, reflected on the exhilaration of flying the supersonic jet at just 20 years old. He served in the Air Force before transitioning to Rashtrapati Bhavan as the Controller of Security, Protocol, Administration, and foreign trips of President.
He later entered public service, serving as an MLA six times and as a Parliament member from Nalgonda in the last session. Mr. Reddy is one of the few politicians in India with the distinction of having flown fighter jets as an officer in the IAF.
The phasing out of the MiG-21 marks a significant moment in the history of the Indian Air Force. While the plane had its challenges, it played a vital role in protecting India’s skies and training countless pilots. Minister Reddy’s heartfelt reflections highlight the emotional connection many within the IAF share with this iconic aircraft.
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