108 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was formed at AF Station Halwara on 20 Nov 1959 equipped with Vampire jets. The Squadron was christened ‘HAWKEYES’. The glory and success of the Squadron have been rising ever since its inception. The Squadron has moved across the length and breadth of the country operating from various bases like Pathankot in north, Belgaum in south, Bhuj in west to Baghdogra in east before finally settling down in its present location Nal.The Squadron crest, which depicts a hawk, a streak of lightning, and a battle axe that symbolises the squadron motto of ‘SHODHAN AUR AAKRAMAN’ which means ‘SEARCH AND STRIKE’. The hawk with its keen eyesight symbolises the search element of the motto whereas the lightning flash and the battle axe epitomise the immediate response and power of the strike that follows the acquisition of the target.The Squadron took part in the liberation of Goa and in the offensive action during the 1965 Indo-Pak War in the eastern sector while operating the Vampire aircraft. In Nov 1968 the Sqn converted to Su–7 aircraft becoming the first supersonic strike Squadron of the Indian Air Force and participated in the 1971 operations against Pakistan. In June 1973, the Squadron moved to Adampur and became the first Squadron to convert to the MiG-21M aircraft and ever since then the mighty MiG-21 has served the Squadron faithfully. The Squadron was then assigned the role of strike interdiction, photo reconnaissance and air defence. The Hawkeyes saw action during the Kargil conflict undertaking attacks in some of the most inhospitable terrains in the country while operating from Awantipur. For its exceptional performance, the Squadron was awarded Battle Honours by the President of India. The Squadron was assigned the role of MiG Operational Flying Training (MOFT) from 2003 to 2014. In 2009, the Squadron was awarded President’s standard. Later, in the same year the Squadron celebrated its Golden Jubilee on completion of fifty glorious years of its service to the nation. The Hawkeyes have been an epitome of professionalism and dedication, finely balancing the requirement of remaining operationally sharp and training budding fighter pilots, a job which requires a high degree of professionalism.After 58 years of guarding the nation’s skies, in 2018 the Hawkeyes marched into annals of history with a glorious legacy of the MiG-21 and the high standards hence set forth.