Jaipur (NVI) : Russia-made MiG-27 fighter plane, which has the backbone of the Indian Air Force and played a key role in the 1999 Kargil war with Pakistan, flew into history today.
The swing-wing fleet of the upgraded version of the aircraft, which has been part of the IAF for the last four decades, had its last flying day today.
To mark the occasion of the fighter plane’s retirement, a five-aircraft ‘Arrowhead’ formation flanked by Sukhoi 30 was flown.
The IAF’s No. 29 Squadron — ‘SCORPIOS’ — had the proud privilege of flying the aircraft into the sunset.
The event was befittingly graced by IAFs ‘Akash Ganga’ parachutists who painted the sky with their magnificent colourful parachutes flying the national flag and the Indian Air Force ensign.
The Air Warriors Drill Team thrilled the audience with their synchronized drill movements.
The grand finale was marked by scintillating formation aerobatic display by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of Indian Air Force.
The event was witnessed by Air Marshal SK Ghotia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief South Western Air Command.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion include, Air Marshal B Suresh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command, Air Marshal Amit Tiwari, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Air Command along with numerous serving and retired officers who were part of 29 Squadron or had flown the swing- wing fighter aircraft during their stint with Indian Air Force.
The aircraft became part of the IAF’s glorious past, joining other variants, such as MiG-23 BN & MiG-23 MF and the pure MiG-27 which have already retired.
These aircraft have made immense contribution to the nation, both during peace and war.
The fleet of MiG-27 earned its glory in the historic Kargil conflict when it delivered rockets & bombs with accuracy on enemy positions.
The fleet also took active part in Op-Parakram in 2001-02, when India mobilised its troops along the Pakistan border in the wake of attack on Parliament by Pakistan-backed terrorists on December 13, 2001. There was an eyeball-to-eyeball situation along the entire border for months.
The upgraded version, because of its survivability, have also participated in numerous national and international exercises.
As of now, Number 29 Squadron was the only unit in the Indian Air Force operating MiG-27 Upgrades.
The Number 29 Squadron was raised on March 10, 1958 at Air Force Station Halwara with Ouragan (Toofani) aircraft.
Over the years, the Squadron has been equipped with numerous types of fighter aircraft such as MiG-21 Type 77, MiG-21 Type 96, MiG-27 ML and MiG-27 Upgrade.
The Squadron is now slated to be number plated on Mar 31, 2020, with December 27, 2019 being its last flying day, thereby making the swing-wing fleet a part of IAFs glorious past.
