43 Wing, AF was formed on 17 Jun 85 at AF Station Sulur under the operational and functional control of HQ Southern Command, IAF. Initially, it was carved out of assets transferred from 5 BRD. Assets were divided and out of 1050.51 acres, approximately 850 acres of land was transferred to 43 Wing, AF. The southern peninsula is the major area of operation of 43 Wing, Air Force. The main role of this wing is to carry out couriers to Andaman & Nicobar Islands twice a week. All VVIP/VIP commitments in this region are undertaken by 109 HU. After the formation of an operational wing No. 18 Sqn, which had moved from No. 1 Wing to No. 5 BRD on 01 Apr 85, became a lodger Units of 43 Wing, in Oct 85. The role of this Ajeet Sqn was offensive air support, with emphasis on close air support. All administrative and technical facilities were provided by 43 Wing. On 04 Jun 87, 109 HU equipped with MI-8 helicopters moved in from 28 Wing, 109 HU undertook the task of communication, casualty evacuation, air maintenance and special heliborne operations. 18 Sqn, Air Force moved to 20 Wing, Air Force on 15 Feb 88 and 119 HU moved in from 14 Wing, Air Force on 23 Feb 89 and soon after moved out to 33 Wing, Air Force on 14 May 90. The An-32 aircraft belonging to newly formed 33 Sqn (made up of aircraft from 19 Wing and 33 Sqn operating at Tambram and Guwahati). No. 33 Sqn (An-32ac) was number plated on 31 Jul 1991. A detachment of 11 Sqn (Avro) started operating from the Wing w.e.f. 01 Jun 1992 and became fully ops w.e.f. 16 Aug 1992. During the quarter ending Sep 1996 all Avro aircraft were de-induced and ferried out. 75 RMU started functioning in 43 Wing in Feb 1996. 33 Sqn, Himalayan Geese, was resurrected at this Wing on 27 Mar 2000 with An-32s, while 11 Sqn (Rhinos) was moved out and reformed at 36 Wing, AF with HS-748.