The Halwara-based 221 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, “Valiants”, has inducted the frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The squadron used to fly MiG-23s till they were phased out in 2009.
This is a major force accretion as the squadron is based in Punjab facing Pakistan. The Su-30MKI is the most modern multi-role fighter in the Indian Air Force.
The aircraft were formally inducted by Air Marshal C. Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, on Monday during which he handed over the official documents of the squadron to Wing Commander H.S. Luthra, Commanding Officer of the Squadron, the IAF said in a statement.
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The “Valiants” were formed as an offensive fighter squadron on February 14, 1963 at Barrackpore and was equipped with the Vampires, Spitfire, Hurricane and Su-7 aircraft. The “Valiants” were the first to carry out strikes during the Kargil war.