Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to fly in IAF's Su-30
Press Information Bureau
Sat, 27 May 2006, 00:10
The Number 20 Squadron of Indian Air Force, based at Pune would be celebrating 50 years of its existence from 27 Jun onwards. The Squadron which is also known as the ââ¬ËLIGHTNINGSââ¬â¢ operate the oldest and the newest fighters ie, MiG 21 and SU 30 MKI.
The 20 Squadron of IAF was formed on 01 Jun 1956 at Halwara with Vampire aircraft. This, one of the oldest, squadron has taken part in all the operations in which IAF was deployed. 20 Squadron is also the most decorated Squadron in IAF with two Mahavir Chakra, five Vir Chakra, three Mention-in-dispatches and one Vayu Sena Medal.
The ââ¬ËLIGHTNINGSââ¬â¢ have also been awarded the Presidential Colours, the highest award an IAF formation can get. The ââ¬ËWar trophiesââ¬â¢ of the Squadron included two air-to-air kills Sabre Jets, thirteen aircraft on ground including two C-130 Hercules, ten battle tanks, and scores of railway wagon, locomotive, field artillery and trucks.
During the Golden Jubilee celebrations Admiral Arun Prakash, the Chief of Naval Staff would be the Chief Guest. Admiral Arun Prakash was posted in this squadron as a Lieutenant during the 1971 operations and was awarded the Vir Chakra for his heroic contributions.
Honââ¬â¢ble President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam would be flying with 20 Squadron, AF in its SU 30 MKI aircraft on the morning of 08 Jun 06. Dr. Kalam would be flying to familiarize himself with the systems and capability of the SU 30 aircraft. This will be the first time that the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces would fly a fighter aircraft. The No. 20 Squadron has earlier operated the first IAF formation Aerobatic Team ââ¬ËThe Thunderboltsââ¬â¢ which was eventually phased out. This squadron was equipped with the latest SU 30 MKIs in May 2002.
The ââ¬ËLIGHTNINGSââ¬â¢ squadron today stands ready to answer any call in the defence of the nation.
Press Information Bureau
Sat, 27 May 2006, 00:10
The Number 20 Squadron of Indian Air Force, based at Pune would be celebrating 50 years of its existence from 27 Jun onwards. The Squadron which is also known as the ââ¬ËLIGHTNINGSââ¬â¢ operate the oldest and the newest fighters ie, MiG 21 and SU 30 MKI.
The 20 Squadron of IAF was formed on 01 Jun 1956 at Halwara with Vampire aircraft. This, one of the oldest, squadron has taken part in all the operations in which IAF was deployed. 20 Squadron is also the most decorated Squadron in IAF with two Mahavir Chakra, five Vir Chakra, three Mention-in-dispatches and one Vayu Sena Medal.
The ââ¬ËLIGHTNINGSââ¬â¢ have also been awarded the Presidential Colours, the highest award an IAF formation can get. The ââ¬ËWar trophiesââ¬â¢ of the Squadron included two air-to-air kills Sabre Jets, thirteen aircraft on ground including two C-130 Hercules, ten battle tanks, and scores of railway wagon, locomotive, field artillery and trucks.
During the Golden Jubilee celebrations Admiral Arun Prakash, the Chief of Naval Staff would be the Chief Guest. Admiral Arun Prakash was posted in this squadron as a Lieutenant during the 1971 operations and was awarded the Vir Chakra for his heroic contributions.
Honââ¬â¢ble President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam would be flying with 20 Squadron, AF in its SU 30 MKI aircraft on the morning of 08 Jun 06. Dr. Kalam would be flying to familiarize himself with the systems and capability of the SU 30 aircraft. This will be the first time that the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces would fly a fighter aircraft. The No. 20 Squadron has earlier operated the first IAF formation Aerobatic Team ââ¬ËThe Thunderboltsââ¬â¢ which was eventually phased out. This squadron was equipped with the latest SU 30 MKIs in May 2002.
The ââ¬ËLIGHTNINGSââ¬â¢ squadron today stands ready to answer any call in the defence of the nation.