Crest: The Unit emblem depicts a Hawk (signifying the instructor), leading a fledgling (signifying the pupil). The motto written in Sanskrit at the bottom reads Sarva Yudhavisharda (“All skilled in warfare”).

The President of India, Shri Shankar Dayal Sharma, formally approved the emblem on 03 Jan 96.

Brief History: Mig Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU) was formed on 15 Dec 86 at Tezpur to impart Stage III (operational) training on MiG-21 aircraft. This is the largest fighter-flying establishment of IAF. Earlier, this task was carried out by three squadrons based at Tezpur, namely 8 Sqn, 28 Sqn and 30 Sqn AF. The need for one central unit for conducting conversion and operational training was felt for quite sometime. This requirement was reinforced by the La fontaine Committee report. Conversion of 28 Sqn and 47 Sqn to MiG-29s paved the way for formation of MOFTU with the assets released from these two units.

The first sortie of the unit was flown on 17 Dec 86. This unit was initially placed under the temporary command of Sqn Ldr NC Thomas. On 09 Feb 87 Gp Capt P Prabhakaran took over as the first Commanding Officer.

Role

The primary role of the unit is to impart Stage III operational flying training to pilots inducted into the fighter stream. 137 pilots' course was the first batch to undergo training at this unit. The unit also has an operational role. The unit initially was to undertake training of all UT pilots centrally. However, with the enhanced task this was not feasible and more squadrons equipped with variants of the MiG-21 were assigned to meet the growing requirements.

Since its inception, the unit was equipped with MiG-21 FLs (T-77) and is flying these to date. From 06 Aug 87, the unit started operating in two squadrons namely 'Alpha" and 'Bravo', located in separate hangars. The unit started with very modest assets and today is self sufficient in all aspects. The unit has a well-equipped library, with latest books on every topic of consequence. Apart from this, the unit is equipped with computers and other associated equipment for enhancing the training standards.

Flying Effort

The unit continues to fly extensively to meet its assigned tasks.

Operation Brass Tacks

The unit was Op activated in Jan 87 for exercise "Brass Tacks". The detachment of the unit also operated from a base in the Western Sector, for ORP duties. During this period a few pilots were also attached to some other T-77 sqns to augment their aircrew strength at their respective operational locations. However, the threat of war had died down by the end of January and the detachment was back in Tezpur on 14 February 1987.

Operation Parakram

The unit was again Op activated in May 02 for "Op Parakram". A detachment of the unit operated from a base in the Western Sector. During this period a few pilots were also attached to some other sqns to augment their aircrew strength at their respective operational locations.

List of Commanding Officers