{"id":14272,"date":"2025-09-27T07:02:38","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T07:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aimdefenceacademy.com\/?p=14272"},"modified":"2026-01-29T05:36:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T05:36:57","slug":"mig-21-retirement-end-of-an-era-for-the-indian-air-force","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aimdefenceacademy.com\/blogs\/mig-21-retirement-end-of-an-era-for-the-indian-air-force\/","title":{"rendered":"MiG-21 Retirement: End of an Era for the Indian Air Force"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"14272\" class=\"elementor elementor-14272\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc06886 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fc06886\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33d93ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"33d93ab\" 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Pradesh<\/option><option value=\"Jammu-and-Kashmir\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Jammu and Kashmir<\/option><option value=\"Jharkhand\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Jharkhand<\/option><option value=\"Karnataka\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Karnataka<\/option><option value=\"Kerala\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Kerala<\/option><option value=\"Ladakh\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Ladakh<\/option><option value=\"Lakshadweep\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Lakshadweep<\/option><option value=\"Madhya-Pradesh\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Madhya Pradesh<\/option><option value=\"Maharashtra\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Maharashtra<\/option><option value=\"Manipur\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Manipur<\/option><option value=\"Meghalaya\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Meghalaya<\/option><option value=\"Mizoram\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Mizoram<\/option><option value=\"Nagaland\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Nagaland<\/option><option value=\"Odisha\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Odisha<\/option><option value=\"Punjab\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Punjab<\/option><option value=\"Puducherry\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Puducherry<\/option><option value=\"Rajasthan\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Rajasthan<\/option><option value=\"Sikkim\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Sikkim<\/option><option value=\"Tamil-Nadu\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Tamil Nadu<\/option><option value=\"Telangana\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Telangana<\/option><option value=\"Tripura\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Tripura<\/option><option value=\"Uttar-Pradesh\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Uttar Pradesh<\/option><option value=\"Uttarakhand\"  data-calculation=\"0\">Uttarakhand<\/option><option value=\"West-Bengal\"  data-calculation=\"0\">West Bengal<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/div><\/div><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"referer_url\" value=\"\" \/><div class=\"forminator-row forminator-row-last\"><div class=\"forminator-col\"><div class=\"forminator-field\"><button class=\"forminator-button forminator-button-submit\"><span>Submit<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div><input type=\"hidden\" id=\"forminator_nonce\" name=\"forminator_nonce\" value=\"ccac2976c3\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14272\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"form_id\" value=\"1140\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"page_id\" value=\"14272\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"form_type\" value=\"default\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"current_url\" value=\"https:\/\/aimdefenceacademy.com\/blogs\/mig-21-retirement-end-of-an-era-for-the-indian-air-force\/\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"render_id\" value=\"0\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"action\" value=\"forminator_submit_form_custom-forms\"><\/form><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78571a2e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"78571a2e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74125c9d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"74125c9d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>On <strong>26 September 2025<\/strong>, the <strong>Indian Air Force (IAF)<\/strong> officially bid farewell to its legendary \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-21\"><strong>Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21<\/strong><\/a><strong> fighter jets<\/strong>, concluding an incredible <strong>62 years of service<\/strong>. The <strong>decommissioning ceremony<\/strong> was held at the <strong>Chandigarh Air Force Station<\/strong>, attended by senior officers, veteran pilots, and Defence Minister <strong>Rajnath Singh<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The MiG-21, once the <strong>backbone of India\u2019s air power<\/strong>, was a symbol of speed, strength, and courage. Its retirement signifies the <strong>end of an era<\/strong> while ushering in a new phase of <strong>modernization for India\u2019s air fleet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<p><!-- \/wp:separator --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Journey of the MiG-21<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstpost.com\/explainers\/mig21-history-iaf-warhorse-aircraft-13936850.html\"><strong>MiG-21<\/strong> <\/a>was inducted into the IAF in <strong>1963<\/strong>, becoming India\u2019s first <strong>supersonic fighter jet<\/strong>. Known for its versatility and speed, it quickly became a favorite among pilots and a feared adversary in combat.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Major Contributions:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1965 Indo-Pakistan War:<\/strong> Provided crucial air superiority in key battles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1971 Bangladesh Liberation War:<\/strong> Played a decisive role in India\u2019s victory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kargil War (1999):<\/strong> Despite its age, the MiG-21 continued frontline service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Balakot Operation (2019):<\/strong> Wing Commander <strong>Abhinandan Varthaman<\/strong> famously flew a MiG-21 Bison in a dogfight against a Pakistani F-16, proving its enduring value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For decades, the MiG-21 was the <strong>pride of India\u2019s skies<\/strong>, representing the country&#8217;s growing military prowess.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<p><!-- \/wp:separator --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Grand Farewell Ceremony<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The final farewell at <strong>Chandigarh Air Force Station<\/strong> was an emotional moment for the nation.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>flypast by MiG-21s and modern fighter jets<\/strong> honored the aircraft\u2019s service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>water cannon salute<\/strong> marked its official retirement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh<\/strong> and senior officers took part in the last ceremonial sortie.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Defence Minister <strong>Rajnath Singh<\/strong> hailed the MiG-21\u2019s unmatched contribution, calling it a <strong>&#8220;guardian of India\u2019s skies for over six decades.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<p><!-- \/wp:separator --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why the MiG-21 Was Retired<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>While the MiG-21 was a legendary fighter, several factors made its retirement necessary:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aging Technology:<\/strong> After six decades of service, its airframes had reached their operational limits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Safety Concerns:<\/strong> Frequent crashes led to it being nicknamed the <strong>\u201cFlying Coffin.\u201d<\/strong><strong><br \/><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Modernization Needs:<\/strong> With advanced fighters like <strong>Tejas<\/strong>, <strong>Rafale<\/strong>, and upgraded <strong>Sukhoi-30 MKIs<\/strong>, the MiG-21 had become technologically outdated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This decision will help the IAF <strong>focus on future-ready aircraft<\/strong> and ensure <strong>pilot safety<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<p><!-- \/wp:separator --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Impact on the Indian Air Force<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The retirement of the MiG-21 leaves the IAF with <strong>29 active squadrons<\/strong>, well below the sanctioned strength of <strong>42 squadrons<\/strong>.<br \/>To fill this gap, the IAF plans to:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Induct <strong>Tejas LCA Mk 1A and Mk 2 fighters<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expand <strong>Rafale squadrons<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Upgrade <strong>Sukhoi-30 MKIs<\/strong> for advanced combat roles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Develop indigenous stealth fighters under the <strong>AMCA project<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>This transition marks a <strong>new era of modernization<\/strong> for India\u2019s defence capabilities.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<p><!-- \/wp:separator --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The MiG-21 Legacy<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Even after retirement, the MiG-21 will always be remembered for its:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Role in <strong>training thousands of fighter pilots<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Defence of Indian skies<\/strong> during wartime and peacetime missions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Symbolic representation of <strong>India\u2019s military growth during the Cold War era<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Several MiG-21s will now be preserved in <strong>museums and air bases<\/strong> across India, inspiring future generations of defence aspirants.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:separator --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e14e48a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e14e48a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-295ff2f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"295ff2f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f721edd premium-header-inline premium-lq__none premium-box-lq__none elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-addon-dual-header\" data-id=\"f721edd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"premium-addon-dual-header.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"premium-dual-header-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"premium-dual-header-first-header \"><span class=\"premium-dual-header-first-span\">AIM Defence Academy \u2013 Shaping India\u2019s  <\/span><span class=\"premium-dual-header-second-header \">Future Heroes<\/span><\/h3> \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-403ad73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"403ad73\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>As the MiG-21 retires, the legacy of courage and service continues through India\u2019s youth. AIM Defence Academy, a leading defence training institute, plays a crucial role in preparing students to become the next generation of officers in the Indian Armed Forces.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The retirement of the <strong>MiG-21 fighter jet<\/strong> is an emotional moment for the nation.<br \/><br \/>For <strong>62 years<\/strong>, it stood as a symbol of <strong>India\u2019s strength, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit<\/strong>.<br \/><br \/>As India moves forward with <strong>modern aircraft like the Tejas and Rafale<\/strong>, the MiG-21\u2019s story will continue to inspire future generations.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Institutions like<a href=\"https:\/\/aimdefenceacademy.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">\u00a0<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/aimdefenceacademy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>AIM Defence Academy<\/b><\/a>\u00a0are essential in carrying forward this legacy, preparing the youth to <strong>defend the nation with honor and excellence<\/strong>.<br \/><br \/><strong>Enroll today<\/strong> and take the first step toward becoming a proud officer of the Indian Armed Forces.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e12fb8c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e12fb8c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a7ced3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4a7ced3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9b4b4a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f9b4b4a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6cc81e6 premium-header-inline premium-lq__none premium-box-lq__none elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-addon-dual-header\" data-id=\"6cc81e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"premium-addon-dual-header.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"premium-dual-header-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"premium-dual-header-first-header \"><span class=\"premium-dual-header-first-span\">Get Our Defence Expert Guidance Fill Form: <\/span><span class=\"premium-dual-header-second-header \">call back<\/span><\/h2> \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b09e66 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"2b09e66\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div 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