IAF Chief to fly MiG-21 Bison one last time with call sign 'Badal 3'

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

After decades of adulation and admiration, the Indian Air Force will retire its trusted workhorse – the MiG-21 – at a scintillating ceremony at the Chandigarh airbase today.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh will fly the final sortie with the call sign ‘Badal 3.’ The last sortie of No. 23 Squadron will be carried out sometime in the afternoon today.

A water cannon salute will also be accorded to the six MiG-21s of No. 23 Squadron. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma is among the six pilots who will be part of the majestic flypast.

MiG 21 Retirement Live: IAF bows out legendary MiG-21, grand farewell ceremony in Chandigarh today

Before the ceremonial final sortie that will mark the end of an era, the event will also feature a stunning display by the Suryakiran team, a performance by the Akashganga skydiving team, and a simulated raid by Jaguar fighter aircraft.

As per the IAF’s itinerary, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and CDS Gen Anil Chauhan will attend the event. Other dignitaries include the Chiefs of the Indian Army and Navy, along with Commanders of all IAF commands.

The Chandigarh ceremony will also see the presence of six former Indian Air Force chiefs - Air Chief Marshals S. Krishnaswamy, AY Tipnis, SP Tyagi, PV Naik, BS Dhanoa, and RKS Bhadauria.