After six decades of service in the Indian Air Force, the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet will be retired on September 26. On this occasion, it will be given a final farewell from Chandigarh Airbase, and a special program will be organized.
New Delhi: The MiG-21 fighter jet is set to be retired from the Indian Air Force. After more than six decades of service, this iconic fighter plane will be retired on September 26, 2025. During the farewell ceremony to be held at Chandigarh Airbase, the MiG-21 will take its final flight in the sky. In this historic moment, Squadron Leader Priya Sharma will also participate and take the final flight.
Who is Squadron Leader Priya Sharma?
A special program has been organized for the MiG-21's farewell ceremony. On this occasion, six jet aircraft of the 23rd Squadron will be given a water cannon salute upon landing. The fighter planes will fly one last time in the sky in cloud and Panther formations. Notably, Air Force Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh 'Badal 3' will also take the final flight. Female pilot Priya Sharma will participate in this historic flypast and make the event even more memorable.
Squadron Leader Priya Sharma is the country's 7th woman fighter pilot. She is among the select few women pilots in the Indian Air Force who have achieved the distinction of flying fighter jets. Priya Sharma graduated from the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, and received her graduation certificate from the then Army Chief Bipin Rawat. Subsequently, she officially joined the Indian Air Force as a Flying Officer, beginning her career.
Priya Sharma's initial posting was at Hakimpet Air Force Station in Hyderabad. She then received Stage 2 and Stage 3 advanced training at Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka. During this period, Priya gained experience flying Jaguar and Hawk jets, which inspired her to become a fighter pilot.
