Crest: The Swift fall in the category of types of birds of prey, which rely on high speed for interception in the open. Swifts have slim wings like a modern fighter aircraft, designed for high speed and maneuverability. A Swift is a long winged, insectivorous bird, stalking and attacking its prey for food with speed, surprise and agility. The largest species of the bird have wing span of 2 feet, a top flying speed of 160 KMPH and can fly a total of 600 miles a day even when feeding its Swift-let. The Swift is extremely fast and has a keen sense of sight, which enables it to spot and intercept its prey from great distance with extreme accuracy.

A fighter aircraft like the AJEET, operating in the skies, is in perfect harmony with the Swift. The AJEET has the same ability to cruise, maneuver, and surprise the enemy with speed and ferocity in attack. As the symbol of 22 Sqn, AF operating AJEET aircraft, the Swift is just appropriate. The most appropriate motto for the Sqn would be : "COURAGE TRIAMPHS".

Motto: During Operations in Dec 1971, after three intruding Sabre were shot down by the Squadron Pilots, the Sqn earned its name as "SABRE SLAYERS". On 20th Dec 1985, the President of India awarded the present crest of the named ‘SWIFT’. Swift is a small bird, found in the sub Himalayan tropical forests, famous through out the world for its speed, agility and offensive nature. The suitable motto for the swifts, therefore, was decided as ‘COURAGE TRIUMPH’.

Brief History: 22 Sqn, AF popularly known as the ‘SWIFTS’ was formed on 15 Oct 66 at AF Stn Bareilly under Central Air Command. Wg Cdr PP Singh was the first Squadron Commander. The unit was then equipped with Gnat Mk-I ac. In Mar 1982, the sqn was re-equipped with Ajeet Mk-I ac, subsequently, the unit has been re-equipped with HAL built MiG-27 ML ac. The unit has been commanded by 17 Commanding Officers since its formation.

The unit was assigned the role of Ground attack and Air Defence during the period when it operated Gnat/Ajeet ac. However, presently the unit is tasked with Ground Attack role.

After its initial formation at AF Stn Bareilly, the unit moved to Kalaikunda under Eastern Air Command in Sep 1968. Since then, the unit has moved in EAC at different bases and is presently located at AF Stn Hasimara since 05 Feb 90.

The unit was re-equipped with Ajeet Mk-I ac in Mar 1982 and Mig-27 ML ac from Apr 1990 onward. The role of the unit has been changed to ground attack since its re-equipment with Mig-27 ML ac.

A large number of personnel have served in this unit with distinction since its formation. Their hard work has been recognised and have won them various honours and awards during peace and war.

Indo-Pak Conflict

When hostilities broke out in 1971, the Sqn was only five years old, the baby of the IAF. It was then operating from 5 Wing, AF. The sqn operated from Dum Dum from 22 Sep to 26 Sep 71 to familiarise with the area. During hostilities, the sqn operated from Dum Dum from 03 Dec to 26 Dec 1971. It was the first Gnat Sqn in the Eastern sector to go into the battle with PAF. It did so with such devastating effects that the PAF treated the diminutive Gnat with respect and caution thereafter. During the operations, the task allotted to the Sqn was five folds: -

• Air Defence Operations ~ 22 Sqn, AF operated a dett from 23 Sep 1971 onward at DumDum airport. This was in anticipation of hostilities brewing up in East Pakistan. On 22 Nov 1971, unidentified aircraft were picked-up by our radar violating India Air spaces near Jessore. Four Gnats of 22 Sqn, AF were scrambled on a ground controlled interception, contact was made with 3 American built F-86 Sabres of the PAF, in the ensuing engagement all the three enemy intruders were shotdown.
• Ground Attack ~ The first air to ground strike by 22 Sqn, AF as launched at 1200 hrs on 06 Dec 1971, the target allotted was Brisal airfield, south of Dacca. Four Gnats carried out a successful mission destroying all the hangers and causing extensive damage to bunkers around the airfield. Thereafter the Sqn carried out numerous attacks on Ishurdi airfield on 5th and 8th Dec 71 and Jessore on 08 Dec 71. It was responsible for the destruction of the Army Brigade HQs at Khulna on 07 Dec 71.
• Close Air Support ~ The Pakistani Army had dug-in in concrete defences around Jessore. This was stalling the advance of our troops on the Jessore and subjecting them to heavy shelling. 22 Sqn, AF was called upon for air support. Various defences around Jessore were destroyed in pinpoint attacks. As a result, the ground forces had little difficulty in over running the few remaining defences.
• Bomber/Transport Escort ~ The Squadron played a vital role in escorting bombers deep into enemy territory to carry out attacks on enemy lines of communication. The enemy took no chances with the Gnat escorts and the strikes went through unhampered by enemy fighters. Hunter aircraft and Canberra bombers could thus cause extensive damage to enemy strongholds and railway yards. The final assault by the paratroopers in transport aircraft on 11 Dec 71 was also given fighter escort by Gnats of 22 Sqn AF, thus ensuring unhindered para dropping operations.
• Anti-Shipping Operations ~ The retreating enemy made an attempt to escape by sea. Small ships, motor launches and barges were being utilised to carry out fleeting PakistaniOfficials. To prevent their escape, the squadron carried out attacks on Khulna on 7th, 10th and 12th Dec 71, on Banisol on 6th, 8th and 9th Dec 71 and on Godanand on 15th Dec 71.

The Sqn has maintained a high standard of training of its aircrew and other personnel. This is evident from the performance during Gunnery Meets and the excellent flight safety record of the squadron.