MIG-27 to fly last time from Jodhpur airbase today

JODHPUR: The Indian Air Force’s fighter jets MIG-27 will take its last flight from Jodhpur airbase on Friday.

The winding down of MIG-27 fleet 29 Squadron (Scorpios) will be held at Jodhpur Air Force Station on Friday morning, said a release from the defence public relations officer (PRO) in Rajasthan.

MIG 27 swing wing fighter aircraft has been the backbone of ground attack fleet of Indian Air Force for the past four decades.

The upgraded variant of this last swing-wing fleet has been the pride of Indian Air Forces strike fleet since 2006. All the other variants, such as MIG-23 BN and MIG-23 MF and the pure MIG 27 have already retired from Indian Air Force.

These aircraft have made immense contribution to the nation, both during peace and war. The fleet earned its glory in the historic Kargil conflict when it delivered rockets and bombs with accuracy on enemy positions. The fleet also took active part in Op-parakram.

The upgr a d e d v e r s i o n, because of its survivability, has also participated in numerous national and international exercises.

Presently, Number 29 Squadron is the only unit in the Indian Air Force which has been operating MIG 27 Upgrades. 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, 2020.