Chandigarh [India], September 26 : Ahead of the decommissioning of the Indian Air Force's MiG-21 fighter aircraft in Chandigarh on Friday, Wing Commander Rajiv Battish (Retd.) termed the plane a "potent" one and an enigma for the Western Field.
Speaking to ANI, Battish said that a large crowd gathering for the event to bid farewell to the aircraft reflected the sentiments of the people.
"MiG-21 has a very long story and the fact that so many people have gathered here is the fact that we are all attached to this aeroplane... As far as India is concerned, the maximum number of aeroplanes flown on a fighter type is the MiG-21... Very potent aeroplane, and mostly the Eastern Bloc countries flew it. It was an enigma for the Western field... As far as flying was concerned, MiG-29 was a beautiful machine, and the testimony is so many people have descended from all over the country abroad to see the last light and say goodbye," Battish told ANI.
Squadron leader SS Tyagi, known for the highest flying hours onboard the plane gave it 80 per cent credit for the victory in the 1971 war.
Speaking to ANI, Tyagi said that the aircraft had conducted rocketry, gunnery, and dropped bombs during the 1971 war.
"We passed on our learnings to our juniors. Amid all the lessons and training, my flying hours kept increasing. I had never thought I had to reach this milestone... We didn't have many aircraft in 1965... MiG-21 actually participated in a war in 1971, where it did rocketry, gunnery, dropped bombs, and achieved various targets in Dhaka... I would give 80% of the credit to MIG-21 for our victory in 1971..." Tyagi told ANI.
The aircraft leaves behind a record of unmatched service and a legacy that will be remembered as India transitions to a new generation of fighter jets.
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has served for nearly six decades and has been a cornerstone of India's air power. The first squadron, the 28 Squadron, raised in Chandigarh, was nicknamed 'First Supersonics' as India's first supersonic fighter.
The MiG-21 aircraft saw extensive action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it proved its combat effectiveness. Over the decades, it has trained generations of fighter pilots, many of whom recall it as both challenging and rewarding to master.