President Droupadi Murmu, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces, on Friday presented the President's "Standard and Colours" award to four Indian Air Force Units at Air Force Station Hindon in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad. Two fighter squadrons 45 Squadron and 221 Squadron were presented with President's Standard, while 11 Base Repair Depot and 509 Signa Unit were presented with President's Colours.
These awards are one of the greatest honours that are bestowed upon an Air Force Unit or Squadron, recognising the exceptional service rendered by it to the nation at the time of war or during peace. It is the first time in the history of IAF that four units have been awarded President's Stanard and Colours together, Rashtrapati Bhawan stated in its statement on Thursday.
IAF No. 45 Squadron
No. 45 Squadron IAF was formed in 1960 and was christened 'Flying Daggers' with its motto 'Ajeetakshay.' It became the first squadron in the world to induct indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas when it was resurrected in Bangalore. The squadron took part in 'Operation Vijay' for the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1960. Ever since it was equipped with Tejas aircraft, the unit has undertaken several operational and national commitments including post-Balakot strikes in 2019.
IAF 221 Squadron
221 Squadron, also known as the 'Valiants' was formed in 1963 in Barrackpore. After its formation, the squadron was pressed into action in the East during the Indo-Pak War in 1965 where it made commendable contributions. It became the first squadron to be re-equipped with the Su-7 supersonic attack fighter in 1968. It currently flies the Sukhoi-30 MKI jets.
IAF 11 Base Repair Depot
11 Base Repair Depot is a premier and only fighter overhaul depot of the IAF, established under Maintenance Command in 1947 in Nashik. The first aircraft to be hauled by the depot was Su-7. Following this, the depot also overhauled the variants of MiG-21,23 and 29 aircraft.
IAF 509 Signals Unit
The 509 Signals Unit functions as an Air Defence Direction Centre in Meghalaya. The unit emerged as an epicentre of all air defence activities over East Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
Western Air Command chief Air Marshal Sinha stated that the President's Standard is awarded after 18 years of service and the President's Colours award after 25 years of service.