Crest: The Sqn crest is a Black Cobra in an aggressive posture. The Sqn motto “Prahardyot” means “Ready to Strike”.

Brief History: 16 Sqn, AF, “Cobras”, was formed at Pune in 1950 with six Spitfire and Tempest ac as an operational bomber Sqn of Western Command. The Sqn was re-equipped in 1954 with Liberator aircraft and its role was changed from bomber to that of heavy bomber. In addition, the task of training the bomber aircrew was also assigned to the Sqn.

In 1957, the Sqn was re-equipped with Canberra aircraft and the role was re-defined as light bomber/interdictor Sqn. In 1957, the Sqn moved to Kalaikunda and formed a part of operational forces of Central Air Command. Towards the end of 1965, the Sqn moved to Gorakhpur. In December 1986, the Sqn was re-equipped with Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft and the role has now been defined as Counter Air and Interdiction.

After being re-equipped with Canberra aircraft, the Sqn got it’s first operational assignment during liberation of Goa, and carried out bombing attacks over Dabolim airfield. A few sorties were also mounted in support of operations against Diu.

During the Chinese aggression in 1962, the Sqn operated a dett from Kalaikunda.

Indo Pak Conflict – 1965 : During Indo-Pak conflict in 1965, the Sqn was deployed in the Eastern Theater for Counter Air Operations and carried out a number of successful missions. Subsequently, the Sqn also carried out a number of strike missions over vital targets including the formidable Sargodha airfield. Chakjkhumra and Badin SU. The most significant of these strikes was the one mounted in day light against a very well defended static radar at Badin. The radar was put out of action disrupting the enemy air defence organization in the sector.

Indo Pak Conflict – 1971: During the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the Sqn went into full scale operations under the command of late Wg Cdr P Gautam, MVC and Bar VM. It carried out successful bombing missions over heavily defended targets in both East and West Pakistan. Inspite of difficult operating conditions, the Sqn maintained aircraft serviceability at its peak and undertook all the missions assigned to it. In these operations, the Sqn earned a Bar to MVC, three Vir Chakras and two VMs.