The squadron was formed at Chandigarh on 06 Apr 1961, with the AN-12, which was a 4 engine heavy lift turbo prop aircraft. This versatile ac undertook all kinds of airlift ops in the most inhospitable terrain, both in the North East and J&K sectors. the squadron was later equipped with the stretegic heavy transport ac, the IL-76, in Mar 1985. During the Sino-India conflict in 1962, the squadron took active part in airlifting supplies, arms, ammUnitsion and cas evac in the Ladakh sector. The Indo-Pak conflict of 1965 war the squadron carried out strategic and tactical airlift. In 1971, during the Indo-Pak war, when the squadron was tasked to strike troop concentration at Hajipur, Fort Abbas and Skardu. The squadron became the first tpt sqn to be awarded the Battle Honours. During the IPKF ops in Sri Lanka, the sqn continued to support our land forces, both during induction and deinduction. In recognition of its achievements, the sqn has been awarded one MVC, two Vr C, one YSM, three VSM, five mention in despatch, 30 VMs, 25 CAS and 51 AOC-in-C commendations.