Fri Sep 26 08:40:32 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally decommissioned the MiG-21 fighter jet after 62 years of service in a ceremony held at Chandigarh Air Force Station on September 26, 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the MiG-21’s significant role in India-Russia relations and its contributions to various conflicts, including the 1971 war, Kargil conflict, and Balakot airstrike. The decommissioning ceremony involved a final sortie by the MiG-21, aerial displays, and attendance by prominent figures including former IAF chiefs and India’s first astronaut. Singh emphasized the importance of the MiG-21’s legacy for the development of future indigenous aircraft, such as the LCA-Tejas and AMCA.
**News Article:**
**Iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jet Decommissioned After 62 Years of Service**
**Chandigarh, India – September 26, 2025** – In a poignant ceremony held at the Chandigarh Air Force Station today, the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally decommissioned the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jet, marking the end of an era for the iconic aircraft after 62 years of dedicated service.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the event, describing the MiG-21 as “a testament to the deep ties between India and Russia” and a vital asset to the IAF for over six decades. “We are closing a chapter that will be written in golden letters, not only in the history of the Indian Air Force, but in the history of our entire military aviation,” Singh stated.
The decommissioning ceremony saw the last of the MiG-21 jets, belonging to No. 23 Squadron (the “Panthers”), receive a grand send-off. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh led the final sortie, piloting the MiG-21 Bison under the call sign “Badal 3,” showcasing the aircraft’s enduring capabilities.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of veterans, including former IAF chiefs A.Y. Tipnis, S.P. Tyagi, and B.S. Dhanoa, as well as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut, and numerous pilots, engineers, technicians, and ground staff who had worked on the MiG-21 throughout its service life.
The Surya Kiran aerobatic team, along with Tejas and Jaguar fighters, provided a spectacular aerial display during the ceremony, paying tribute to the MiG-21’s legacy.
Singh highlighted the MiG-21’s crucial role in numerous conflicts, including the 1971 war, the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor. He emphasized that the aircraft consistently provided “tremendous strength” to the Indian armed forces.
Looking to the future, the Defence Minister stressed the importance of the MiG-21’s legacy in shaping the development of future indigenous aircraft. He cited the LCA-Tejas as a success story and expressed confidence in the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The decommissioning marks a significant moment in Indian military aviation history, as the IAF moves forward with modernizing its fleet while honoring the legacy of the MiG-21.
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