New Delhi: Indian Air Force’s MiG-23 MF fighters jets, which played a key role in countering threat from Pakistan's F-16s for the last 25-years bid adieu with one last ceremonial flight on Tuesday.
The last MiG-23 flight took place at the Jamnagar airbase in the presence of top IAF officials, including Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi. The fifth jet was ceremonially towed in front of the guests.
During the ceremonial flight, a MIG-23 MF aircraft flew from the airbase carrying a banner behind it that read: "End of an era".
"This is indeed a very emotional moment for us as these aircraft in which our men have worked for several years will now become a part of aviation history. It is not easy to say goodbye," Tyagi was quoted by PTI.
The Russian-made MiG-23s were phased out because heavy financial costs were being incurred on their maintenance. "Its too costly to maintain them because of the non-availability of spare parts. Maintaining these aircraft was like maintaining vintage cars. Hence, the air force had to take the decision to phase these aircraft out," Tyagi said.
With inputs from PTI
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