Crest: T223 Squadron was formed at its present location on 10 May 82 equipped with the MiG –23 MF Air Defence fighter aircraft. On 27 Nov 89 the squadron converted to the formidable MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighter, which it continues to fly till date.

The unit’s proposed crest shows the striking end of the "Vajra" or "Trident". As per Indian mythology, this three pronged weapon, is Lord Indra’s poweful thunderbolt. It is said that a great sage Dadhichi, gladly and voluntarily gave his body up for the gods to enable them to use his thigh-bone, to make the firecest weapon of all – the Vajra. A sign of sacrifice, the Vajra was always victorious in battle and continues to be a symbol of power and speed in action. In keeping with the role of the squadron, the Vajra represents its capability to seek and destroy aerial targets with absolute precision and lethality.

Brief History: 223 Sqn, AF was formed on 10 May 82 under the command of then Wg Cdr IJS Boparai. It was the first Sqn in the IAF to be equipped with MiG-23 MF ac perhaps the most powerful single engine fighter in the world at that time. Besides rendering yeoman service to the Air Force it had the unique distinction of operating from Leh one of the highest airfields a fighter has ever operated from. The sqn was christened "The Swing Wing Interceptors" and rightfully so as it described the characteristics as the ac in its role to the halt. In May 89 the Sqn wound down its operation on the MiG-23 as it was lated to covert on to MiG-29s.

The MiG-29 code named "Fulcrum" by NATO was and is perhaps the most lethal fighter in the world. Induction of the ac commenced in early 1990 and within a few months the sqn had its full complement of ac and was fully operational. Since the swing wing was no more applicable the sqn changed its name to ‘Tridents". The Sqn is based in Adampur – though it would move out during Ops.

The MiG-29 is an air superiority interceptor capable of engaging aerial targets during day or night. It is highly agile, twin finned and has full lookdown shootdown capability. It has a Multimode Pulse Doppler radar. The radar incorporated multiple PRF, medium in pursuit and high in head on mode with a capability to detect targets at ranges approaching 100km. The aircraft is equipped with a thermal seeker and laser range finder. The thermal seeker is employed against short-range targets.

One of the major features of the MiG-29 is its widely floored, ogiveal shaped plan form and leading-edge wing root extensions. The huge wing of the MiG-29 confers many advantages, the large area producing high lift and low wing loading to give superb maneuverability, sustained turn rates are particularly impressive and are above 16%. The wing with its full span, leading edge flaps, effective trailing edge flaps and dropping mid span ailerons, in combination with high thrust engines gives a very good short runway performance.

Warnings of in-flight failures are provided to the pilot through a combination of the EKRAN warning system, the Natasha or Voice Information System, the Master Blinker and Warning Lights on the T-30 panel.

The aircraft is powered by tow Klimov turbofan engines (RD-33) with a thrust rating of 8300 kg at max reheat. The augmented thrust to weight ratio well in excess of unity gives tremendous acceleration and rate of climb capabilities.