New Delhi, Sept 20: Closing a historic chapter, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26 and replace them with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A.

The MiG-21, often referred to as the "backbone of the IAF," has played a crucial role in shaping India's air power over its nearly 60 years of service.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) honored the fighter jet, marking six decades of distinguished service, and lauded the aircraft as a "warhorse that carried the pride of a nation into the skies".

Taking to its official ‘X’ handle, the IAF shared a video showcasing the MiG-21's excellent history and wrote, “Mig-21- Six decades of service, countless tales of courage, a warhorse that carried pride of a nation into the skies.”

It is worth noting that the MiG-21 was inducted in 1963 and has been a cornerstone of India's air power for nearly six decades. The 28 Squadron, the first to be raised in Chandigarh, was dubbed "First Supersonics" as it was India's first squadron to fly supersonic fighters.

The MiG-21 saw significant action in numerous operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it demonstrated its combat prowess. Over the years, it has trained generations of fighter pilots, many of whom remember it as both a challenging and rewarding aircraft to master.

During the 1971 war, MiG-21s targeted the Governor's residence in Dhaka, contributing to Pakistan's surrender.

Over the years, the aircraft has faced various generations of enemy fighters, from the F-104s in 1971 to the F-16s in 2019, solidifying its reputation as one of the most battle-tested jets in IAF history.

The MiG-21 was also fielded in the Kargil war.