MiG-21’s Last Mission: Meet Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, IAF’s Woman Pilot in Historic Farewell

After more than six decades of service, the MiG-21 is set to fly its final sortie on September 26, ending an era in India’s air defence. Among the pilots selected for the ceremonial flypast is Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, one of India’s few woman fighter pilots. Her role in this historic moment highlights both the legacy of the MiG-21 and the growing role of women in India’s armed forces.

The Final Chapter for a Legendary Jet
The MiG-21 has been a backbone of the Indian Air Force since the 1960s, serving through major conflicts and multiple upgrades. In its farewell ceremony at Chandigarh, the jets will take to the skies one last time, with formation flights, aerial salutes, and tributes from current leadership. This marks a symbolic transition in India’s combat aviation.

Who Is Priya Sharma?
Priya Sharma is among the pilots chosen to fly in the final MiG-21 flypast. She graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2018 and is the seventh woman rising through India’s fighter pilot ranks. Born in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district and trained across different air stations, she brings both skill and a symbolic presence to the ceremony.

Significance Beyond the Jet
Having a woman pilot in the final MiG-21 sortie signals more than inclusion—it reflects shifting norms in a traditionally male domain. For women aspiring to defence careers, this moment becomes a reference point. It shows that roles once thought impossible are now part of the narrative.

At the same time, the retirement of the MiG-21 spotlights India’s transition toward modern warfare platforms. As the old workhorse makes way for newer jets, the event underscores the balance between nostalgia and necessity in defence planning.

Inspiring the Next Generation
In smaller cities and towns, young women seeing Sharma’s role may rethink traditional career paths. This moment can encourage more to consider defence, aerospace or technology. Visibility matters. When someone from a modest background commands such high-stakes responsibility, it reshapes aspirations.

Conclusion:
The MiG-21’s farewell is more than a plane’s last flight—it’s a moment of reflection, progress and possibility. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma’s presence in this historic event carries weight beyond symbolism. She embodies change, showing that barriers can shift, and tradition can evolve. As the MiG-21 bows out, a new chapter begins—not just for India’s air force, but for those who dare to dream differently.