A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter squadron replaced the Mig-21 Bison squadron in a ceremony held at the...
Digital Desk: The Indian Air Force (IAF) phased down another squadron of Mig-21 Bison fighter aircraft on Monday, bringing the total active squadrons to two.
A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter squadron replaced the Mig-21 Bison squadron in a ceremony held at the Uttarlai Air Force Station in Rajasthan's Barmer.
During the occasion, both the Su-30MKI and the Mig-21 Bison fighters flew over Barmer.
Notably, the IAF's number 4 squadron (Oorials), located at Uttarlai, began flying the Mig-21 Bison fighters in 1966.
The IAF has established an objective of retiring all Mig-21 Bison squadrons by 2025.
In a press release, the Indian Air Force said, "Marking the end of an era, the MiG-21 Bison aircraft were seen for the last time in the skies of Uttarlai in Barmer district in Rajasthan on October 30."
The Mig-21, the first supersonic fighter aircraft of the IAF, participated in major conflicts like the 1965, 1971, and 1999 Kargil conflicts. It has served as the IAF's backbone for over 40 years.
In 2019, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistan Air Force's F-16 jet from his Mig-21, earning him the Vir Chakra (VrC) award in 2021.
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