Highest Military Honour For 'Killer' Squadron That Hit Karachi Harbour During 1971 India-Pakistan War

The President’s Standard is the highest form of honour to be bestowed by the Supreme Commander to a military unit to recognise its service to the nation.

President Ram Nath Kovind Will Bestow The President’s Standard On December 8: File Image

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind will award the President’s Standard to the 22nd Missile Squadron in Mumbai on December 8. 

In a bid to mark 50 years of success of Operation Trident, where the ‘Killer Squadron’ had inflicted a decisive blow on Pakistan by destroying the Karachi harbour during the 1971 war, Kovind will award the President’s Standard at a ceremonial parade at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, according to a statement from the Defence Ministry.

An official release on Sunday read, “To mark the occasion, a Special Day Cover, along with a commemorative stamp will also be released by the Postal Department.”

#SwarnimVijayVarsh #NavyWeek2021
The Hon'ble President of India, will award the President’s Standard to the 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron, aka the #KillersSquadron at a ceremonial parade to be held at Naval Dockyard #Mumbai on 08 Dec 21.

Details: https://t.co/uPbBucCoFK pic.twitter.com/W5BXTjlmXj

— PRO Defence Mumbai (@DefPROMumbai) December 5, 2021

The President’s Standard is the highest form of honour to be bestowed by the Supreme Commander to a military unit to recognise its service to the nation. The President’s Standard is the same as the President’s Colours, awarded to a smaller military unit. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of victory in the 1971 war and is being marked across the country as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. This year also marks 50 years since the 'Killers' came into existence, who over the last five decades have been successful in serving the nation.

Being the tip of the Sword Arm of the Indian Navy, the Missile Vessel Squadron has taken part in Op Parakram, Op Vijay, and recently after the Pulwama attack. 

The ceremony on December 8 is expected to be attended by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Governor, the Chief of the Naval Staff, along with many other civil and military dignitaries.