Squadron History

The sky is full of birds but is the unique grace that distinguishes the 'Fourty-Fours' from the rest of them. This unique grace is a result of the glorious past of the sqn, both in war and in peace. The 'Fourty-Fours' are the pioneers in many fields of military air transport operations, both in India and abroad.

The squadron was formed at Chandigarh on 06 Apr 1961, with the AN-12, which was a 4 engine heavy lift turbo prop aircraft. This versatile ac undertook all kinds of airlift ops in the most inhospitable terrain, both in the North East and J&K sectors. the squadron was later equipped with the stretegic heavy transport ac, the IL-76, in Mar 1985. This is the only squadron with such a capable ac in this region .

The squadron has its baptism, by fire, in various operations since its inception. During the Sino-India conflict in 1962, the squadron took active part in airlifting supplies, arms, ammunition and cas evac in the Ladakh sector.

The Indo-Pak conflict of 1965 war the squadron carried out strategic and tactical airlift. But the best was to come in 1971, during the Indo-Pak war, when the squadron was tasked to strike troop concentration at Hajipur, Fort Abbas and Skardu. The squadron became the first tpt sqn to be awarded the Battle Honours. During the IPKF ops in Sri Lanka, the sqn continued to support our land forces, both during induction and deinduction. In Nov 88, the sqn played a stellar role in the ops to quell an attack on the Govt of Maldives.

The 'Fourty-Fours' have not only bared their fangs in war, but have also shown their capability to bring succour to those in need. From the snowy wastes of the Siachen glacier to the dense jungle of the North East, the sqn has carried out sorties for disaster relief and regular air maintenance for our civilians and troops. The sqn has also flown numerous sorties in aid of civil power to airlift paramilitary forces and other material, such as material for elections whenever called upon to do so.

In pursuance of Govt directives to provide aid to disaster areas around the world, the sqn has carried relief material to Armenia and Bangladesh. During the Gulf war, the sqn airlifted our civilians from Kuwait and Iraq, when the civil operators were unable to carry out the task. The sqn was also tasked to airlift stranded Indians in North Yemen, during a period of civil ensurgency in that country.

In recognition of its achievements, the sqn has been awarded one MVC, two Vr C, one YSM, three VSM, five mention in despatch, 30 VMs, 25 CAS and 51 AOC-in-C commendations. With its motto 'ISHTAM YATNEN SADHYET', the Mighty Jets commenced their saga of service to the nation in 1961, and will continue to do so, be it in war or in peace.