The Indian Air Force bid farewell to the iconic MiG-21, a fighter jet that defined India’s aerial dominance for over six decades. Inducted in the 1960s, the MiG-21 became a legend in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, downing F-104s, F-86 Sabres, Mirage IIIs, and most recently, a Pakistani F-16 in 2019. Known as the “Backbone of the IAF,” it formed the core of India’s air defense for decades. Its retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of valor, resilience, and unmatched service to the nation.
