(Image source from: ruaviation.com)

The last squadron of the MiG-27 took off for its last charge on Friday morning. Soaring into the skies of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, the last plane of the seven planes in the squadron Scorpion 29 will get decommissioned and no other in the seven planes will fly anywhere in the country.

Earlier, two squadrons of MiG-27 were decommissioned at the Hashimara Air Base in West Bengal and Scorpion 29 was the only remaining squadron which comprised of seven upgraded MiG-27.

A day before its decommissioning had been scheduled, the defence ministry stated that, "The MiG-27 fleet of 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 Operation Parakram."

The MiG-27 consists of a single-engine, single seat with maximum speed of 1,700 km/hr that carries one 23mm six-barrel rotary integral cannon and can externally carry arms weighing up to 4,000 kg.

The Indian Air Force(IAF) summarized about the significance of MiG-27 in its farewell message in a tweet

This formidable ground attack fighter aircraft has served the Nation for over three decades. Inducted in 1985, MiG-27 has been the mainstay of IAF's ground attack capability. It has participated in all major #IAF operations and has played a stellar role in the 1999 Kargil War. pic.twitter.com/sHke9FCEKI

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 26, 2019

Col Sombit Ghosh, the Defence spokesperson told the news agency PTI that the future of MiG-27 squadron place is not yet decided. He added saying that the planes can be either used as souvenirs or can return top the depot or can also be given to any other country.

By Shrithika Kushangi