Chandigarh: The iconic MiG-21 Bison took its last flight on Friday, closing a six-decade chapter in Indian Air Force (IAF) history. Leading the farewell flypast at Chandigarh Air Force Station was Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, a woman fighter pilot – a symbolic reminder of how the MiG-21 became the first fighter jet flown by women in the IAF.
The IAF had opened the fighter stream to women in 2016, breaking a long-standing barrier. Their first combat aircraft was the MiG-21, known for its raw power and unforgiving nature. These women proved they could handle it as well as their male counterparts.
The trailblazers
Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi** was the first woman to solo the MiG-21 Bison in February 2018 from Jamnagar. Born in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, she later flew in international exercises and Republic Day parades.
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth**, from Darbhanga, Bihar, flew solo in March 2018 from Ambala. In 2019, she became the first woman cleared for daytime combat missions on the MiG-21.
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Jitarwal**, from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, served with No. 3 Squadron in Bikaner. From a military family, she showcased the MiG-21 in the 2019 Republic Day flypast.
The next generation
From the later cohort, Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh**, born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, became the youngest fully operational MiG-21 pilot before moving to the Rafale in 2020. She has since flown with No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows” and spoken of her ambition to aim for space missions.
Squadron Leader Priya Sharma**, who joined in 2018 as the only woman in her batch of 35 pilots, carried forward the tradition. She led the final MiG-21 flypast on Friday. Earlier, she had flown a tandem sortie with Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
A jet that shaped generations
Inducted in 1963, the Soviet-built MiG-21 became the backbone of the IAF. It trained generations of fighter pilots due to the absence of advanced jet trainers. The Bison upgrade extended its life, but it remained a tough aircraft to master.
Even seasoned aviators called it demanding. For women pilots, proving themselves on the MiG-21 was both a challenge and a milestone.
A lasting legacy
As the MiG-21 flies into history, its legacy is secure. It was not just India’s longest-serving fighter but also the first machine that gave women fighter pilots their wings in combat.
Its final salute, led by a woman, was a fitting end to a storied journey.
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