The Indian Air Force bid goodbye to two of its best-known squadron fighters in the end of 2017. This reported by Indiatoday.

This will bring down its strength of squadron fighters to 31.

On 29 December,  Indian Air Force chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa a MiG-21 pilot flew the last sortie of the 'Hawkeyes' squadron's Mig-21, bringing a glorious end to the reign of the Type 96 variant of the fighter aircraft from Nal Airbase in Bikaner, Rajasthan, defence statement said. 

The glorious 108 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, comprising the Type 96 -MiG-21 will be "number-plated" or decommissioned.

The 108 Squadron, also known as the "Hawkeyes", took part in the Goa liberation war, the 1965 and 1971 India -Pakistan war.

Once based in Pathankot, the squadron was moved to defend the skies over Rajasthan.

On 28 December, the last of the original Mig-27 fighter-bombers of the decorated 22 Squadron, roared for the last time over the forward airbase in Hasimara in Bengal. 

The MiG-27 ML, codenamed 'Bahadur' in India, has had an impeccable track record in its more than three decades of glorious service to the nation, the spokesperson said in a statement. This reported by EconomicTimes.

The formidable strike aircraft of Russian origin has the single most powerful engine in the world and variable geometry wing which allows the pilot to change the wing sweep angle while flying as per the mission requirements to achieve optimum flying characteristics, it said. 

This swing wing fighter bomber was inducted into the IAF fleet in the late 1980s. Being a dedicated ground attack aircraft, it was one of the main strike aircraft of the IAF. 

With its sophisticated avionics and weapon computers, it is capable of delivering a variety of loads in different modes of attack with immense precision, the statement said. 

Being a very stable weapon platform with good forward visibility and all around view, it can drop bombs, rockets, precision munitions guided by TV/laser and also fire air-to-air missiles for self defence thus making it a lethal and a potent weapon platform. 

MiG-27 ML had proved its worth in various operations, including in Kargil and earned rich accolades in numerous international exercises held in India. 

The pilots proudly call themselves 'Swing Wingers' and have always vouched the aircraft's precise weapon delivery and rapid acceleration, the statement said. 

Though the last MLs retire, they are not the last swing wing aircraft in service as few of them got a midlife avionics upgrade and continue to serve the nation. They are called MiG-27 UPG and are presently based in Jodhpur. 

The 22 Squadron of the IAF , known as 'Swifts' was the last squadron of the IAF flying the MiG-27 MLs. The squadron has a rich history and is known for undertaking the famous 'Boyra Day Operations' in Gnat aircraft, marking the beginning of 1971 India-Pakistan war. 

One of the youngest fighter squadrons, it converted to the MLs in February 1990. The lethal MiG-27 aircraft, with its range, speed and ferocity in attack has always been in perfect harmony with the 'Swift', who bade it farewell with full military honours. 

Squadron head Group Captain S L Mahajan, who after a stint in Sukhoi Su-30MKI, proudly led the last ML. 

The 'Swift' pilots are slated to move to other squadrons/appointments and the squadron would be number plated for new induction.