89th Air Force Day: 3 squadrons honoured for valour post Balakot strike and Galwan Valley clash

Three squadrons -- 47 Squadron, 116 Helicopter Unit and 2255 Squadron -- received the CAS citation for their service in the aftermath of the Balakot strike in 2019 and Galwan Galley faceoff in 2020.

Image: File photo of an IAF MiG 29

On the occasion of 89th Air Force Day, three squadrons of Indian Air Force received the Chief of Air Staff unit citation for their exemplary service and valour.

Three squadrons -- 47 Squadron, 116 Helicopter Unit and 2255 Squadron -- received the CAS citation for their service in the aftermath of Balakot strike in 2019 and Galwan Galley faceoff in 2020.

The Unit citation was given by the newly appointed IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Friday at the Hindon Air Force station in Ghaziabad.

Image: File photo of an IAF MiG 29

47 Squadron

Formed on December 18, 1959, this squadron currently houses upgraded Russian-origin fighter aircraft MiG-29. After the pre-emptive strikes by the IAF on February 26, 2019, the squadron was deployed for an air-defence role. 

During the hostile situation with Pakistan post Balakote airstrike, the squadron maintained a constant vigil to ensure that no misadventures could take place by the adversaries. 

It also undertook the first overseas deployment by a Mig-29 UPG aircraft when it participated in Ex Eastern Bridge V with the Royal Oman Air Force. 

In May 2020, the 47 Squadron was deployed for air defence as well as air-to-ground operations in the northern sector and carried out extensive operations at high altitudes.

Image: File Photo of the Advanced Light Helicopter Mark IV 

116 Helicopter Unit

Formed in August 1967, the unit is equipped with the Advanced Light Helicopter Mark IV (ALH Mk IV) Rudra. 

After the Balakot airstrike conducted against the terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2019, the unit was deployed in the forward bases of the South Western Air Command area of responsibility to counter threats of slow-moving aerial platforms. 

This unit was also deployed for offensive operations at a high-altitude airfield in the Ladakh area after the violent faceoff with the Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley last year. 

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.

Image: File photo of the OSA-AK-M air defence system

2255 Squadron

2255 Squadron is a frontline OSA-AK-M air defence system, Surface-to-Air Guided Weapon Squadron of the IAF based at Kashmir ensures the air defence in the region and the Ladakh sector. 

In response to the Galwan Valley incident, the Squadron was mobilised for Air Defence activation in Ladakh 2020.