Crest: A Falcon (pronounced fawl ‘kn or faw’kn) is a diurnal bird of prey with a short hooked beak and powerful claws. From very early times Falcons have been specially trained for the pursuit of other birds, or game. The bird is a fast, strong flier and usually hunts from several hundred feet up in the air, sweeping down at tremendous speeds upon its prey. This is one of the most thrilling sights in nature. The Falcon is a clean killer. It strikes once, usually breaking its prey’s back or crippling it so that it falls helplessly onto the earth.

101 Squadron, AF was formed with the specific role of photo reconnaissance in mind. Its motto ‘Search and Destroy’. Enjoying the place of pride in the Squadron crest is a trained hunting Falcon. The bird’s keen eyesight, quick and sure kill ability symbolizes the role for which the Squadron was formed and trained, which it has executed with outstanding distinction and valour as is obvious from the history of "Falcons".

Brief History: 101 Sqn of the IAF, popularly known as the ‘FALCONS OF CHHAMB’ was created as a photo reconnaissance flight at Palam on 01 May 1949 under the command of Flt Lt JF Shukla. For Harvards, two Spitfires, eight pilots and fifty five airmen formed the nucleus of the sqn. The newly formed sqn was quick to gain recognition. In 1950, the sqn was awarded a silver trophy for excellence in ac maintenance by the Chief of the Air Staff.

In 1957 the sqn converted to Vampire ac and shifted its base to Adampur. Whilst the sqn retained its basic role of photo recce, ground attach training also started and the sqn was operational in both FR and GA roles within a very short period.

In the wake of the Chinese aggression in 1962, the sqn was asked to stand by to counter any threat from the North. Despite unfavourable weather and living conditions, extensive photo recce activity was carried out over NEFA and NMTA sectors.

During the 1965 Indo-Pak conflict Fg Offr U Barbora was awarded the Vr C for excellent photo recce missions in the Rann of Kutch at a very critical time.

The sqn graduated to supersonic era with SU-7 ac in Jun 68 under the Command of Wg Cdr P Singh. It was the 1971 war, which brought laurels to the sqn. The sqn became the most highly decorated sqn in the IAF to date. The spirit of valour and diehard perseverance exhibited by the Falcons won them one MVC, eight Vr Cs, six M-in-Ds, 14 commendations, one AVSM, two VMs and two VSMs. The history of the Falcons would remain incomplete without a special mention of their role in the Chhamb sector during the 1971 conflict. Seventy five percent of the sorties were flown in this sector, neutralising enemy armour, gun positions and troop concentrations. In the years that followed the conflict, the sqn has other examples of its outstanding capabilities and professional competence. It won the WAC Forward Air Controllers competition in 1972 and WAC Flight Safety Trophy in 1973. In Jul 74 the war-weary Sukhoi-7 ac was replaced by MiG-21M (Type-96) ac.

In Jul 76, under the Command of Wg Cdr Pratap Rao, the sqn was selected to receive the President’s colours. Fg Offr Pradeep Singh has the distinction of receiving the colours from the President on 19 Nov 76.

During the years that followed, the sqn continued to perform FR & GA roles with equal efficiency. The sqn shifted to AF Base Sirsa on 10 May 81, which continues to be the present location of the sqn. From Jul 92 to Jul 94 the sqn was entrusted with the task of operational flying training of newly commissioned officers. In Jul 94, the sqn reverted to Op role.

The present Op role of the sqn is Ground Attack.