Jodhpur: Indian Air Force on Friday decommissioned its formidable MiG 27 swing wing fighter fleet after it roared through the skies from Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan.
The iconic MiG-27 aircraft was in service for 35 years. Jodhpur air base had a squadron of seven MiG-27s.
Air Marshal S K Ghotia, the air office commanding-in-chief of South Western Air Command, who was present at the event, said the plane has proved its worth in the 1999 Kargil War.
The Mig-27 (Last of the swing wing fighters) had participated actively in various national and international exercises and undertaken numerous operational missions during Kargil war and Op-Parakram.
With the phasing out of the last squadron of MiG-27, the number reduced to just around 30 which is against 42 required.
Now, only Kazakhstan Air Force is using this jet in the world.
To commemorate the historic occasion, the Squadron flew in a five aircraft ‘Arrowhead’ formation flanked by Sukhoi 30 aircraft as a mark of respect, Rajasthan-based Defence PRO Col Sombit Ghosh said.
The event was befittingly graced by IAFs ‘Akash Ganga’ personnel 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 synchronised drill movements. The grand finale was marked by scintillating formation aerobatic display by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of Indian Air Force, Col Ghosh added.
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 March 31, next year.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion included 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.
