After serving for 40 glorious years, fighter jet MiG-27 that played a crucial part in the Kargil war will be decommissioned today (December 27)
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force's MiG-27 fighter jet, which played a crucial role during the Kargil conflict, will take to the skies one last time on Friday (December 27), bringing an end to its four-decade career in the IAF. The "lethal" fighter aircraft MiG-27, which proved to be an "ace attacker" during the 1999 Kargil war, earning the nickname of 'Bahadur' from pilots, is all set to pass into the glorious history of the country's air force books.
The de-induction ceremony of the MiG-27 fighter jets will be conducted by the IAF at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur.
The squadron will be number plated on March 31, 2020, which means it will no longer be in service. The MiG-27's squadron in Jodhpur is the last batch of aircraft. However, this squadron was known as one of the IAF’s best teams.
The upgraded variant of this last swing-wing fleet has been the pride of IAF strike fleet since 2006. All the other variants, such as the MiG-23 BN & MiG-23 MF and the pure MiG 27 have already retired from the Indian Air Force.
"These aircraft have made immense contribution to the nation, both during peace and war. The fleet earned its glory in the historic Kargil conflict when it delivered rockets & bombs with accuracy on enemy positions. The fleet also took an active part in Op-Parakram," the ministry of defence said. The upgraded MiG 27, because of its survivability, has also participated in numerous national and international exercises.
The IAF also tweeted about MiG-27's last flight today.
"#AdieuMiG27 Indian Air Force bids farewell to the mighty MiG-27 tomorrow. The aircraft will be decommissioned in a grand ceremony to be held at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 27 December 2019.
"This formidable ground attack fighter aircraft has served the Nation for over three decades. Inducted in 1985, MiG-27 has been the mainstay of IAF''s ground attack capability. It has participated in all major #IAF operations and has played a stellar role in the 1999 Kargil War," the IAF said in a series of tweets.
The lethal aircraft, for their role during the 1999 Kargil War, earned the moniker ''Bahadur'' from IAF pilots.
With PTI Inputs
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