IAF phases out Mig-21 fighter squadron based at Uttarlai in Rajasthan

The Indian Air Force, on Tuesday, phased out one more Mig-21 fighter squadron, No. 4 Mig-21 squadron based at Uttarlai and re-equipping it with SU-30MKIs, leaving two squadrons of the legacy jets in service. “The squadron known as ‘OORIALS’ has been operating the MiG-21 since 1966 and is now being re-equipped with the Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft,” said Colonel Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence Rajasthan, in a statement. During this ceremony, personnel from all the three services were present.” The MiG-21 Squadron has served the country for approximately six decades and has significantly contributed to the war effort during Indo-Pak conflicts, Col. Sharma said adding that the end of an era the MiG-21 Bison aircraft were seen for the last time in the skies of Uttarlai in Barmer district. Two Mig-21 squadrons now remain, based at Bikaner and Suratgarh in Rajasthan, which will be phased out by 2025, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari said recently.