The prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh were a testament to the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s combat readiness, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) V.R. Chaudhari said on Friday.
Three units that were deployed at the front during the stand-off with China last year and had also participated in the Balakot air strike on February 26, 2019, were presented unit citations on the occasion of 89th Air Force Day. The Units include a fighter squadron, helicopter unit and a Surface to Air Missile (SAM) squadron.
“When I look at the security scenario we face today, I’m acutely conscious that I have assumed command at a crucial time. We must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory,” ACM Chaudhari said addressing the rank and file at the Air Force Day parade. “Our efforts in completing all COVID-related tasks was also a major achievement in support of the national efforts,” he added.
Coinciding with the celebrations of 75th year of Independence, 75 aircraft and helicopters took part in the Air Force Day parade and fly-past with several formations showcasing some of the key air operations of the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh.
No. 47 Squadron
The No. 47 Squadron, equipped with MiG-29 upgraded fighters, was deployed for a defence role after the Balakot air strike. It flew extensively and maintained a constant vigil to ensure that there were no misadventures by adversaries, the IAF said.
The Unit citation said, “In May 2020, the squadron was deployed for air defence as well as air-to-ground operations in the northern sector and carried out extensive operations at high altitude.”
The squadron also undertook the first overseas deployment by a MiG-29 UPG aircraft when it participated in Exercise Eastern Bridge V with the Royal Oman Air Force, the citation pointed out.
The squadron was formed on December 18, 1959.
Second citation
The second Unit citation went to the 116 Helicopter Unit, formed on August 1, 1967. It is now equipped with the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Mark IV (ALH Mk IV) Rudra.
After Balakot, the unit was deployed at the forward bases of the South Western Air Command Area of Responsibility (AOR) to counter threats of slow-moving aerial platforms, the citation said.
In May 2020, after the Galwan skirmish, the unit was deployed for offensive operations at a high-altitude airfield in the Ladakh area. “The Unit quickly established the first-ever high-altitude attack helicopter detachment in the region and executed day and night operations, including air to ground weapons delivery at high altitudes,” the citation read.
Third unit citation
The third Unit citation was given to 2255 Squadron Detachment Air Force, a frontline OSA-AK-M, SAM guided weapon squadron located in the Kashmir Area of Responsibility with the role of ensuring air defence in the Kashmir and Ladakh sectors.
“The squadron was mobilised for air defence activation in Ladakh in response to the Galwan stand-off in the last week of June 2020. Since then, the squadron has undertaken various innovations to sustain serviceability and reliability of its equipment,” stated the citation.
This had enabled it to maintain its operational readiness in difficult climatic conditions, even through the harsh winter of Ladakh, it added
