Monday, May 1 2006 13:38 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bareilly (UP): Highlighting the changing nature of surveillance, Air Chief SP Tyagi today (May 1, 2006) said India was now fully equipped to tap satellites for keeping a strategic eye on the ground.

"The nature of warfare is changing with satellites taking over the act of spying," Tyagi said as he, along with top IAF brass, bid adieu to India's secret strategic weapon platform for decades.

"MIG-25 no longer have strategic use to India. Also, the planes are no longer cost-effective," Tyagi said.

The Air Force Chief added that the spy-plane had completed its lifespan and that India now has INSAT 2B satellite for the purpose.

"The IAF is planning to buy C-130 J planes for its special force," he added.

The MIG-25 planes will be rested at IAF mueseum at Palam, the Air Force academies and stations at Bareilly, Jodhpur and Kalaikunda.

The last ceremonial flight of MIG-25 'Garuda' was today flown by Wg Cdr Sanjeev Taliyan.

From the time of its induction in 1981, only 42 pilots under the 35-Squadron and 102 Sqadrons have had the chance tofly the spy-plane.

"It's a feeling of detachment when you reach the satellite height in the plane," said Wg Cdr A Chauhan, who has clocked 250 hours on the MIG 25. He added that he has developed an emotional bond with the plane.