A retired Indian Air Force trainer jet now stands in front of the NITK Main Building, creating a new landmark visible from NH-66
Surathkal: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, today unveiled the MiG-21 aircraft installed in front of the Main Building, NITK campus. The ceremony included Shri M.M. Murugappan, Chairman of NITK’s Board of Governors; Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada; and Prof. B. Ravi, Director, NITK. The event was also attended by Air Warriors, veterans of the Armed Forces, NCC cadets, Institute functionaries, faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Air Marshal B.U. Chengappa (Retd.), who graced the event, said: “This aircraft is a twin-seater trainer variant of the MiG-21 with tandem cockpits. It was powered by an R-13 turbojet engine, and its delta wings made it manoeuvrable and stable, safe for air force trainees. It could also carry an external gun pod and bombs on underwing store pylons.It was in active operation with the Indian Air Force (IAF) until September 2025 and was one of more than 100 trainer aircraft the IAF acquired and operated.”
Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada, said, “I am very happy to see that an increasing number of youngsters from Dakshina Kannada are showing interest in serving the nation through the Armed Forces. We need to create greater awareness and encourage our youth to understand the values, discipline, and opportunities of military service. This MiG-21 installation should inspire students not merely to admire the aircraft but to aspire towards the spirit of service and excellence it represents.” He thanked Prof. B. Ravi, Air Marshal B. U. Chengappa, Shri M. M. Murugappan, and the ex-servicemen present for making the initiative a reality.
Shri M. M. Murugappan, Chairman, Board of Governors, NITK Surathkal, thanked the dignitaries and ex-servicemen present and acknowledged their service to the nation. He said, “It is an honour and privilege for me to be associated with NITK, an Institution with tremendous potential. Our students, faculty, alumni, and leadership have brought pride to the nation, and they must continue to play an even greater role in nation-building. Such a role can only be achieved through aspiration towards excellence. The installation of the MiG-21 is not only an inspiration for future generations, but also a reminder of the discipline, values, and sense of purpose that are essential for building a stronger nation.”
The MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor, which was developed in the 1950s and inducted by the IAF in 1963. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. began manufacturing it at Nashik in 1966 under license from the Soviet Design Bureau. The MiG-21 served the IAF in the 1965, 1971, and 1999 wars and was in operations until its last ceremonial flight in September 2025.
Dr. Srinivasa Rao Kola, professor-in-charge of NADAL (NITK Academy for Defence, Adventure and Leadership), said, “We had requested the IAF in December 2023 to provide a retired aircraft. The IAF allotted this aircraft to NITK in January 2026 and shipped its components in July 2026. An IAF team assembled it in August and guided its installation in September 2026. The aircraft, as well as a turboshaft engine installed behind the Main Building, are expected to inspire students enrolled in the NADAL, NCC, and other programs.
