Crest: The Squadron crest is the 'Ankush' and was approved on 08 Jul 75 by, the then President, Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. The 'Ankush' is the weapon used by the mahout to spur the wild elements of warfare. A fighter aircraft, though small in size like the 'Ankush', is capable of unleashing a sizeable damage on the enemy.

Motto:The Squadron motto is 'Siddhivasti Saha Se', which means 'Success lies in courage'.

Brief History: The first IAF Squadron to convert onto the MIG-21( BIS), 21 Squadron Known as the 'ANKUSH', is at present operationg from 12 Wing under the control of HQ WAC, IAF. The Squadron history from inception given below :-

FORMATION

21 Squadron, AF was formed on 16 Oct 65 at 7 Wing, AF under the command of Wg Cdr ER Fernandes, to be equipped with Gnat Mk I aircraft. The Squadron initially flew aircraft borrowed from 2 Squadron, AF and 18 Squadron, AF, until on 14 May 66, when she got her first complement of ac. The Squadron was initially a dedicated air defence systems. In Dec 68, the Squadron was also alloted the role of ground attack.

1971 Operations

Task

The primary task assigned to the Squadron was Air Defence of the Barmer sector. For this the Squadron operated from Uttarlai with a complement of eight Gnat aircraft. It addition, three Gnat aircraft and three Pilots were positioned at Amritsar to assist in the Air Defence forces of that sector.

The Squadron was commanded by Wg Cdr SS Malik, who was also designated as the Air Defence Commander of sector responsibility. The Station Commander at Uttarlai was Wg Cdr VK Murthy who was a constant source of cheer for the Pilots of 21 Sqn, AF.

Conditions

The Pilots were initially housed in tents. Subsequently they were shifted to the underground ATC. During the days, preceding the war, word was floated that Paki Commandos were seen in the sands. The jockeys therefore,activated night patrol by turns.

There was the normal desert problems of water scarcity. A bath roaster was maintained to ensure that everyone had a bath every alternate day only. Also with 600 rounds of 12 bore ammunition at their disposal.Every morning the Squadron organised a 'Shikar Party' to get goose for luck and lunch.

Operations

The jockeys were getting restless in their hideout with no sign of war and the endless wait, had started taking its toll. There were a number of VIP visits during this period.

The news of commencement of hostitlities filtered down at dusk on 03 Dec 71. At about 2015 hrs, a PAF B-57 came and dropped eight bombs, all on the runway. That put the runway out of commission. However, next morning civil labour was employed to get atleast the parallel taxy track cleared. Thereafter only parallel taxy track was used for take off and landing. The Squadron flew a total of 109 AD sorties mainly comprised CAP missions.

On 10th morning, Sqn Ldr Kale and Fg Offr P Ajit had set up a CAP overhead the airfield when two F-102s pulled up for strike.Fg offr Ajit being ideally positioned, rolled into a left turn, went buster and punched tanks. But only one drop tank got jettisoned. Suddenly he found himself in a turn,away from the attacking aircraft. Sqn Ldr Kale who was too far behind made a valiant attempt, gave one of the 104s a goodbye burst, but to no avail.

Late in the war, a P-12 Radar was fully established at base giving excellent bearing, but the Pakis started avoiding Uttarlai airfield. Instead they went for the advancing army columns. The Squadrons, idea of giving close air support to the advancing columns did not materialise as the distance involved were beyond the capability of the tiny Gnat fighters.

On 13 Dec 71, six aircraft move to Ahmedabad for the Air Defence of Ankleshwar Oil Refinery. A few days later four aircraft were asked to move to Srinagar. However, at Pathankot itself they were informed of the cease fire and despatched back to Gorakhpur. The highlight of the Ahmedabad stay was the visit paid by Film Star Asha Parekh.

THE GNAT ERA

The Squadron having formed at 7 Wing, AF Ambala stayed there till May 66. Thereafter the Squadron moved to 17 Wing, AF, Gorakhpur till the 1971 operations. The Squadron won a number of trophies in Gunnery meets and was visited by the CAS, AIr Chief marshal Arjan Singh DFC, AOC-in-C, HQ CAC, IAF, AVM H Mulgavkar MVC and the DCAS AIr Chief Marshal MM Engineer PVSM, MVC, DFC.

The Squadron in Sep 71 was earmarked to become a type training Squadron. Ultimately, in May 73 was tasked with the conversion training of Pilots on Gnat Mk I.In addition to the normal roles of AD and GA. During the period when the Sqn was equipped with the Gnats, the Squadron participated in a number of exercise mainly consisting of AD missions. The Sqn was visited by DASI in 72 and 75 and the Sqn moved to 7 C&MU at Bakshi Ka Talab and operated there till the time, she was earmarked to be re-equipped with the Mig-21 BIS. During this time, three Officers were awarded the VM.

CONVERSION TO MIG-21 BIS

On 1st December 1976, the Squadron moved out of C&MU to 2 Wing, AF Pune to be re-equipped with the MIG-21 BIS and Wg Cdr B Mukhuty handed over the command to Wg Cdr DN Rathore Vr C. All existing Officers were posted out and Pilots trained in Russia on MIG-21 BIS were posted in.

The Squadron started operation from 2 Wing, AF from the Southern dispersal. On 01 Dec 76, six Officers of the flying branch and four Officers of the technical branch formed the nucleus of the unit for its new role. On 15 Dec 68, USSR trained technicians and 172 other technicians qualified on type were posted in. Howerer, no flying was carried out in Dec 76, as the Squadron had not received any MIG-21 BIS aircraft.

Happenings Between 1977- 80

The Squadron was tasked with the conversion of other BIS Squadrons and a number of Pilots from other commands. By Sep 77, 19 Pilots from 26 Squadron, AF reported for conversion. The Squadron also retained its roles of AD and GA having been re-equipped with the BIS. It commenced range firing in Nov 77. Within the first year, Squadron converted 46 Pilots belonging to other units.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal H Moolgavkar visited the Squadron on 24 Sep 77. The SASO, AVM Chandan Singh also visited the Squadron in Aug 77.

In Jun 78, the first accident took place on MIG-21 BIS aircraft. In a dark phase sortie, the nose oleo of an aircraft sheared off on landing. The engine and airframe were declared Cat B.

By Jun 79, the Squadron had also converted 11 Pilots from 23 Squadron, AF and 5 Pilots from 15 Squadron, AF. On 18 Oct 79, Wg cdr SAB Naidu took over command of the Squadron from Wg Cdr DN Rathore Vr C, VSM. Wg Cdr SAB Naidu was awarded CAC Commendation on 26 Jan 80.

During the period 77-78, ther Squadron took part in a number of exercises. These include EX RANBHERU, EX AGNIVARSHA and CAC Weapons Meet, all at 4 FBSU, AF , EX AJINKYA at 5 Wing, AF and EX HAMLA conducted by SWAC in the Rajasthan Sector. It the Inter Command Gunnery Meet held at 4 FBSU, AF in Feb 80, the Squadron won the team event and R/P event for CAC. The Squadron celeberated its 14th Anniversary from 09 Mar 80 to 22 Mar 80.

AOC-in-C, HQ CAC, IAF Air marshal TS Brar ,AVSM visited the unit on 06/07 Mar 80 and flew a sortie in the trainer. In Nov 80, the VCAS Air Marshal LS Grewal, PVSM, AVSM visited the Squadron.

Happenings Between 1981 to Aug 1992

Period between 1981 to 1984

Sqn Ldr DC Nayyar Vr C, temporarily took over command of the Squadron as Wg Cdr SAB Naidu VM was posted out wef 16 Nov 81 and the new Squadron Commander had not yet reported. Subsequently Wg Cdr HS Sahota took over command in Feb 82. On 18 and 19 May 82, the unit achieved 100% serviceability and all aircraft were flown on 19 May 82.

During this period, the Squadron took part in air to air missiles and gun firing at 5 Wing, AF. The Squadron also participated in a number of exercises including Ex VAJRAGHAT-III, EX CHAUKANNA-III and IV. The Squadron took part in CAC Weapons meet conducted at KK Range, Ahmednagar from 10 May to 21 May 83. The Squadron was declared overall champion, in addition to coming first in the R/P team event among the MIG Squadrons. In the inter Squadron Gunnery Meet held at 2 Wing, AF the Squadron won R/P individual, F/G team and pactice bomb team events.

In 1982, the Squadron operated a Detachment of four MIG-21 BIS aircraft and one MIG-21 BIS trainer aircraft from 17 FBSU, AF Trivandrum.It was the first Super Sonic Squadron to operate from the newly formed Southern Air Command. On 13th and 14th November 1982, AF Golden Jubilee was celebrated at 2 Wing, AF. As a part of the flying display, Wg Cdr HS Sahota carried out low level aerobatics.

AVM Mulk Raj PVSM, AVSM visited the Squadron on 19 Feb 81. AVM Suryanarayan Rao AVSM, ACAS (System) visited on 28 Mar 81. Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh PVSM, AVSM, VM, Chief of the Air Staff inspected the Squadron in Apr 82. The Squadron was inspected by DASI from 26 Apr 82 to 30 Apr 82 and was graded Average plus. In Mar 83, Gp Capt Kamal V Ahmed, Gp Capt ABM Zakaria and Wg Cdr Ziand-dia-Ahmed of the Bangaladesh Air Force visited the Squadron. Air Marshal DA Lafontain PVSM, VM, AOC-in-C CAC, IAF visited the Squadron in Feb 84.

Wg Cdr HS Sahota was awarded VM on 26 Jan 84. He handed over the command to Wg Cdr RJ Willams wef 06 Aug 84.

Period between 1984 to 1986

On 27 Sep 84, The Squadron moved to its Op location at SantaCruz and stayed there till 30 Oct 84. Again on 31Aug 84, following the assassination of the then PM Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the Squadron was asked to move to Santacruz with five aircraft. The activation was called off on 08 Dec 84.

During this period the Squadron participated in a number of exercises and in one major exercise condenamed EX RANVIJAY from 15 Mar 86 to 22 Mar 86. CAS, OAS and AD missions were flown. The Squadron also took part in EX TRISHAKTI in Apr 86, and in EX RAPID DEPLOYMENT from 24 to 28 Jun 86. The other major exercises in which the Squadron took part was EX LIVE WIRE from 11 Nov to 20 Nov 86. Prior to this the runway at 2 Wing, AF went under repairs and the Squadron was asked to operate a detachment with all available aircraft and Pilots at 33 Wing, AF. In EX LIVEWIRE the Squadron operated a detachment of six aircraft and Pilots from Bareilly and another six aircraft and Pilots from NAL in AD role. The Squadron carried out a number of succesfull missions.

Air Chief Marshal LM Katre PVSM, AVSM & Bar, Chief of the Air Staff visited the Squadron in Dec 84. Air Marshal S Raghavendran PVSM, AOC-in-C SWAC, IAF visited the Squadron in Jun 85.

The Squadron was selected to carry out trials of the Crew Chief System which involved a 2 man DI of the aircraft on the flight line. This system was introduced in Apr 81, and the trials were successful. It was discontinued and in between and re-introduced in Feb 86. However, at present the practice has once again been discontinued.

Wg Cdr HPS Sidhu took over command from Wg Cdr RJ Williams wef 07 Jul 86.

Period between 1986 to Aug 92

Move to 33 Wing, AF ~ In Oct 86, the Pune runway was due to undergo repairs and as such the Squadron was asked to move on extended detachment with all available aircraft and Pilots to 33 Wing, AF for normal operations. The Squadron operated as a detachment from Oct 86 and in Jan 87 was asked to move its A and B flights by 10 Jan 87 and C flight by 10 Mar the same year.

Red Alert ~ 23 Jan 87, the Indian Armed Forces were put on Red Alert following the build up of tension on the Indo-Pak border. By the 28 Jan total six ac and Pilots were ferried from Pune to Santra Cruz as per war plan. The remaining Pilots were put on ORP duties at 33 Wing, AF. On 05 Feb, six ac were moved to 32 Wing, AF on attachment till total de-escalation in mid Apr.

Between the 17 and 20 Mar 87, the Squadron took part in EX BRASS TACKS IV with ten aircraft and Pilots. The Pilots were retrieved from 32 Wing to take part in this exercise. The Squadron flew a total of 86 sorties of CAS, Search and Strike, Counter air and CAP mission with success. The Squadron also took part in air activation at Santacruz from 22 Sep to 25 Sep 87. It flew four sorties alongwith Rakshak aircraft in the 'Buddy Role'at Bombay High for this purpose. From 25 Feb to 03 Mar 88, the squadron took part in EX Hammer Blow-I from 41 and 33 Wing, AF respectively. A total of 78 sorties comprising Air Defence and strike mission were flown. In the later Squadron Armament Competition in Oct 87, The Squadron got best individual bombing trophy. The Squadron also participated in a mixed formation fly past at 2 Wing, AF for BAAZ induction ceremony on 06 Dec 87.

During this period, the AOC-in-C SWAC, IAF Air Marshal P Singh paid a farewell visit to the Squadron detachment at 32 Wing, AFon 10 Feb 87. AOC-in-C SWAC, IAF Air Marshal SK Mehra visited the Squadron on his taking over command of SWAC, IAF

On 26 Jan 87, Wg Cdr HPS Sidhu, Sqn Ldr NV Tyagi and JWO VG Nair were awarded the VSM.

Move to 12 Wing, AF ~ The Squadron moved out from 33 Wing, AF where it had been located since 10 Jan 87, to 12 Wing, AF. Sixteen fighter aircraft were ferried out on 09th and 10 May 88. The Squadron initially operated from the dispersed location along the loop taxy track (Plaza area), awaiting the movement out of 9 and 222 Sqns who had occupied their permanent location in the hangers. The Squadron set up its independent 'C' flight at 12 Wing in Jun 88.

The Squadron, at 12 Wing, AF was earmarked to man live ORPs in WAC, in addition to its normal operations. The first ORP to be manned by the ANKUSHES in this command was at Suratgarh from 01 Aug to 12 Aug 88.

Wg Cdr Rajesh Lal took over command from Wg Cdr HPS Sidhu on 22 Aug 88. The Squadron participated in the flypast for colour presentation to 17 Squadron, AF and 104 HU,AF at Palam. The Squadron has nominated its first Commodore Commandent, Air Cmde DN Rathore Vr C, VSM. Air Cmde Rathore was the Squadron Commander who had converted the ANKUSHES from Gnats to MiG-21 BIS. He paid his maiden visit in Nov 88. From 05 Dec to 16 Dec 88, eight Mig-21 BIS aircraft undertook the activation of 1 FBSU, AF.

The Squadron operating from 12 Wing, AF participated in the Air power Demonstration at Tilpat range.

The Squadron again operated a detachment from 1 FBSU, AF from 08 May 89. But the aircraft were temporarily grounded from 11 may onwards following a spate of accidents on type elsewhere. The aircraft were finally cleared to fly on 01 Jun. From 11 Oct to 21 Oct 89, the Squadron operated an eight aircraft detachment from 41 Wing, AF for heavy armament work. The Squadron took part in EX EKLAVYA in Nov 89 and did reasonably satisfactorily. Its R/P team missed the WAC team championship by mere 1%.

Air Mshl P Singh, AVSM, VM & Bar, AOC-in-C, HQ WAC,IAF visited the Squadron in Aug 88. One of the DASI inspectors visited the Squadron on 7/8 Feb 89 to check out the aircrew combat missions. Performance was High Sat. A two member team from TACDE visited the Squadron between 19 to 23 Mar 90 for combat orientation capsule.

The Command of the Squadron was taken over by an EX-ANKUSH Wg Cdr NV Tyagi, VSM on 05 Nov 90. The operational role of the Squadron continues to be Air Defence. The Squadron frequently carried out live ORP in the Western Sector. The performance of the Squadron in various aspects of flying, maintenance and administration has been fairly satisfactory. Western Air Command Flight Safety Trophy was awarded to the Squadron for the year 1990-1991. The Squadron also maintained 100% serviceability from 16 to 23 May 92. All eighteen aircraft flew on 20 May 92. DASI visited the Squadron from 11 Aug 14 Aug 92.The Squadron performed fairly well in all aspect during the inspection.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshasl NC Suri, PVSM, VM and ADC visited the Squadron on 08 Nov 91. Air Marshal P Singh PVSM, AVSM, VM & Bar AOC-in-C WAC, IAF visited the Squadron on 23-24 Jan 92. AOP, Air Marshal PK Verma, VM visited the Squadron on 30 Apr 92. Air Marshal SK Kaul PVSM, MVC, ADC, AOC-in-C WAC, IAF visited the Squadron on 21 MAy 92. VCAS, Air Marshal PM Ramachandran AVSM, SC, VM visited the Squadron on 23 May 92.

The Squadron was taken over by Wg Cdr AV Thakurdesai on the Dec of 92. The Squadron maintained its role of AD and high standard of functioning. It participated in EX-TRISHUL in Feb 93. the Squadron was visited by DASI in Mar. The Squadron was assessed at AV+ in all aspects of operations. Air Marshal SK Kaul, PVSM, MVC, ADC, AOC-in-C, HQ WAC, IAF paid a farewel visit to the Squadron on 20 Mar 93. Air Marshal Janak Kapur, SASO, HQ WAC, IAF visited the Squadron on 14 Feb 94. Air Marshal SK Sareen, AOC-in-C, HQ WAC, IAF visited the Squadron on 22 Aug 94. The Squadron was taken over by Wg Cdr A Dhar on 31 Oct 94. During this period the Squadron participated in EX- TRISHUL in Feb 95. The Squadron was visited by Air Marshal DN Rathore, Vr C, VM, AOC-in-C, HQ WAC, IAF on 01 Dec 95 Commodore Commandent. Air Marshal AY Tipnis, AVSM, VM visited the Squadron on 26 Jul 96. Cricketers Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Robin Singh and Srinath visited the Squadron on 04 Nov 96. Air Marshal V Patney, AVSM,Vr C, AOC-in-C, HQ WAC, IAF visited the Squadron on 01 Mar 97. Air Marshal DS Brar visited the Squadron on 24 Apr 98.

Locations of 21 Squadron, Air Force

HONOURS AND AWARDS