NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force drew curtains over its ‘swing wings’ fleet of ‘Bahadurs’, nickname for MiG-27s. The powerful MiG-27 fighter aircraft, which have been the backbone of ground attack fleet for four decades, were phased out on Friday.
De-induction ceremony was conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur. IAF spokesperson Group Captain Anupam Bannerji said, “These aircraft have made an immense contribution to the nation, both during peace and war.
The fleet earned its glory in the Kargil conflict when it delivered rockets and bombs with accuracy on enemy positions and at such high altitude. The fleet also took an active part in Op-Parakram.”
The upgraded variant of this last swing-wing fleet has been the pride of IAF’s strike fleet since 2006.
All the other variants, such as MiG-23 BN & MiG-23 MF and the pure MiG-27 had already retired from the force.
To commemorate the historic occasion, the squadron flew in a five aircraft ‘Arrowhead’ formation flanked by Sukhoi-30 aircraft as a mark of respect.
In the honour of the aircraft, IAF’s skydiving team ‘Akash Ganga’ painted the sky with their colourful parachutes flying the Tricolour and the IAF ensign.
The Air Warriors Drill Team thrilled the audience with their synchronised movements.
The finale was marked by scintillating formation aerobatic display by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of IAF.