The MiG-21 fighter plane retired on Friday (26 September 2025) after serving for 6 decades in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The plane was given a final farewell from Chandigarh Airbase. MiG-21 last flew in the sky and panther formation in the sky. Women pilot Priya Sharma also attended this farewell ceremony of MiG-21. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was also present in this farewell ceremony. Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh took the last flight of Squadron in the name of Badal 3.

Who is squadron leader Priya Sharma
Squadron leader Priya Sharma is one of the pilots who participated in the formal MiG-21 fly past. Priya Sharma also flew in full dress rehearsal on Wednesday. 6 Jet aircraft of 23 squadrons who attended the farewell ceremony were saluted with water canon at the time of landing. Female pilot Priya Sharma played an important role in this. Priya Sharma is the 7th Women Fighter Pilot of the country.

Priya Sharma’s studies
Squadron leader Priya Sharma has graduated from Air Force Academy, Dundigal. He obtained a graduation certificate from the then Army Chief Bipin Rawat. After this, she officially became part of the Indian Air Force as a flying officer.

How did the inspiration to become fighter pilot
Priya Sharma is a resident of Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. Inspired by her father, she became an officer in the Indian Air Force. Priya Sharma, who studied engineering, was the only female fighter pilot of the 2018 batch. Please tell that initially he was posted at Hakimpet Air Force Station in Hyderabad.

Squadron leader Priya Sharma took advance training of Stage 2 and Stage 3 at Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka. Priya Sharma had told that by seeing Jaguar and Hawk aircraft flying since childhood, she was inspired to become a fighter pilot.

Also read

MIG-21 Farewell: MiG-21 landed on the runway for the last time, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said-‘Each mission strengthened the army in every mission’

How to become Fighter Pilot in Indian Airforce: The brutal assassination of 25 Indians and a Nepali citizen in the Pahalgam attack shook the entire country. The Indian Army gave a befitting reply to this attack on 7 May 2025, when under the ‘Operation Sindoor’, the Air Force destroyed them by air strikes at 9 terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK. This exact attack from the high-tech missile proved that the Indian Air Force is capable of responding to any challenge. After this adventure action, the passion of becoming fighter pilots among the youth across the country has increased even more. In such a situation, let us know how you can become a fighter plane pilot…

To become a fighter pilot, first you have to study with Physics and Mathematics in 10+2. After this, the path of your entry depends on your merit. After passing 12th, you can join the Air Force by giving UPSC NDA exam. After graduation, the CDS exam conducted by UPSC is another way for you.

Candidate AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) This examination conducts this examination twice a year. Through this, you can also join the Air Force. Apart from this, candidates with NCC ‘C’ certificate can join the Direct NCC Special Entry. After passing the written examination, your personality, decision ability and leadership skills are examined by the Service Selection Board (SSB).

Medical and Pabt Test

After SSB you have to pass the medical test. Fitness is very important for fighter pilots. Also, your flying capacity is also tested through Pabt (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test).

Also read- CISF Jobs 2025: Golden opportunity to become head constable in CISF, 81 thousand will get salary

Training is special

Candidates who are successful in all stages are trained at the Air Force Academy of Hyderabad. Flying training from basic to advance level is provided here, in which the technique of flying fighter aircraft is taught.

Also read- What is the salary of CISF DG? Know how much will increase after the 8th Pay Commission

Education loan information:
Calculate Education Loan Emi