Crest: Small bladed weapon history such as that of Daggers' never acquired the miotique of large bladed weapons. Yet, apart from firearms, few weapons have been used to such effect and even today their lethality is apparent all around. The oldest of deadly weapons belong not to swords but small blade family. In fact the dagger has been so popular even before 1800 BC, that the archaeologists refer to the period 1800 - 1500 BC as solktid (Daggers Period). This small bladed weapons did not draw the kind of effect the large blade normally would, but invariably found its place amongst the arms carried on person during Charlemagne rule and thereafter mostly for ceremonial purposes. Their lethality is once again being exploited even today by martial arts specialists as well as commando forces.

The specially fashioned Dagger, which received formal approval on 26 May 83, symbolises the lethality of their splendid weapon. Squadron motto "Yudhay Krutnischay" is aptly chosen to the motivation of personnel which goes some what like (when loosely translated) "In to war with determination". The combination of cross guard and Quillon is designed to include the squadron number (in Roman character) along with its operational intent of mobility in third dimension.

Brief History: The Squadron was formed in 1944, at which time the all-conquering Japanese had advanced into the northeastern parts of India and threatened the very existence of our country. Formed in Feb 1944 at Lahore and baptized by fire in Arakan region of Burma, the Daggers took part in major allied offensive to drive invaders out of South East Asia. The task of the land forces was not easy; every foot of the territory had to be won with tremendous sacrifices in the face of an uncompromising enemy. Aerial support to army was surely needed and it was to this end that the Daggers along with other newly formed Squadrons were pressed into action.

The Daggers reached Burma under the command of a famed `Battle of Britain' ace Sqn Ldr R F T Doe, DFC & Bar. The aircraft they were equipped with was another Battle of Britain veteran, the sturdy and reliable eight gunned Hurricane Mk II. It was from Ramgi airfield in Dec 1944 that the Daggers first made contact with the Japanese, and in a sky dominated by the enemy, came away with an upper hand. Till April 1945 the Squadron provided invaluable support to the allied offensive slowly & steadily beating back the enemy. Both pilots and their ground crew worked relentlessly, often throughout the day for months on end.

The Squadron returned to India in April 1945 for a well-earned rest and a change of aircraft from the Hurricane Mk-II to the sleek and deadly Spitfire Mk-VII. It returned to war in Nov 1945 and took part in the mopping up operations, which saw the Japanese retreat from the region. It was in recognition of their role in this operation that the Squadron was accorded the honour of escorting Lord Louis Mount batten, Supreme Commander of the allied forces in Burma from Rangoon to Bangkok.

In Feb 1946, the Daggers returned to India covered with glory. In the following year, at Chakeri they re-equipped with Tempest-II, an aircraft known for its tremendous firepower. During the holocaust of partition the Squadron was called out in aid of civil power. They flew a number of recce sorties to identify trouble spots. In Nov 1947, "Daggers" flew into the battle against the invading Pakistani troops using their aircraft with tremendous precision.

In Dec 1953, the Squadron became one of the first to take the Air Force into the jet age converting on to the Vampire Mk-52 at Palam. It flew this aircraft till 1954 when another version, the Vampire night Fighter became the Squadron mount.

It was in Palam that the Squadron remained for 10 years being the only fighter squadron in the airforce guarding the capital. Later, Sqn Ldr BS Sikand commanded the Squadron till it was number plated in early 1965.

The honour of flying and operating the first indigenous jet fighter, the HF-24 "Marut" was bestowed on this Squadron. In 1967, at Jamnagar, the first Marut was handed over to the Squadron and inspite of initial teething problems, all the pilots of the Squadron became Fully Operational by October 1968. Under the command of Wg Cdr G Sen, the Daggers walked away with most of the trophies in the Inter Command Gunnery Meet held in 1970. In 1971, the Squadron ably led by Wg Cdr KC Aggarwal proved its worth by flying missions deep into the Pakistani territory and inflicting heavy damage on the enemy. In recognition of their gallantry, Wg Cdr KC Aggarwal and Flt Lt RS Rao were awarded Vir Chakra and MWO Luke and WO D Singh were Mentioned in Dispatches. After the war the Squadron continued its dual role of operational and conversion training with distinction, in the process collecting many awards and distinctions. (one of them being declared the Squadron of the year in 1978 for having a zero accident rate).

In keeping with the tradition, the Daggers were yet again singled out to be the first Squadron to acquire the latest and the first swing wing of the IAF, the MiG-23BN; popularly called "Vijay" ac.

After a brief conversion in USSR, the first batch of pilots, technical officers and men returned in Dec 1980 to set up the nucleus to train future personnel for the Vijay fleet.

In 1985 the Squadron was awarded Squadron Standard by the President of India as a token of appreciation of the Squadron's contribution to IAF over the years. This squadron continued flying the MiG-23 BN until 31 Dec 93 and thereafter converted to the more advanced swing-wing version, the MiG-27 ML on 01 Jan 94. Having converted to MiG-27 ML ac, this squadron has progressed rapidly into becoming one of the most potent strike squadrons of IAF.

The squadron re-equipped with Vampire MK-52 on 01 Dec 53 and Vampire Night Fighter on 01 Aug 54. The squadron re-equipped with MiG-23 BN on 01Jan 81 and again re-equipped with MiG-27 ML on 01 Jan 1994.