Book released on MiG-21's historic association with IAF

A book "First to the Last: 50 years of MiG -21s with the IAF" was released at a function in New Delhi on Saturday to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of MiG 21's historic association with the Indian Air Force.

Speaking on the occasion, the Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, appreciated HAL for its contribution pointing out that out of 874 aircraft 264 are still flying. The aircraft always has had aggressive edge and served the country during 1971, Kargil conflict, and was safe in many ways, he added.

Dr. R. K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL, said the production of MiG -21 was the beginning of a successful partnership with Russian agencies in the aviation sector."I am proud to say that the MiG-21 project stands as a beacon not only in the history of HAL but also as a close knit partnership between IAF and HAL", he added. He said the MiG 21 signified Air Force superiority, growth of HAL in 60s, led to effective development of aerospace and defence industry in India.

HAL produced around 657 MiG-21 aircraft under license. The partnership has only grown in strength with the license production of MiG -27 and Su-30 MKI thereafter till date.

The Russian Ambassdor, Mr. Alexander Kadakin and Mr. Sergey Korotkov, Director General RAC (MiG) also spoke on the occasion.

The book published by the Society for Aerospace Studies, New Delhi, is compiled by Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar (retd) and M. Pushpinder Singh.


Source: By BDK Bureau, New Delhi - bharatdefencekavach.com News - 22 April 2013

Photo: The Indian Air Force MiG -21 Fighter Aircraft (Photo by IAF)


(22.04.2013)