No. 52 Sqn AF, the youngest Squadron of the Indian Air Force, was formed on 01 Jan 86 at 16 Wing, Hashimara. Wg Cdr GM Viswanathan VM was the first Commanding Officer of "The Sharks" equipped with the T-77 ac. The primary role of the Squadron is Air defence and the secondary role is ground attack. However, during peace time the Squadron is given the additional responsibility of conducting MOFT syllabus of young pilots. The Sharks, during their short span of 12 years have gained appreciation for their professional approach and sound results. The Squadron has the distinction of winning the IF rolling trophy in its very first year of formation and continues to sustain its impressive performance.

The Squadron moved to Bagdogra during Jan 90 under the command of Wg Cdr AD Chibbar where it continued to perform its primary, secondary and peacetime role.

On 01 Nov 96 the Sqn moved to 14 Wing at Chabua. Number plated in June 2005, came back as Suryakirans (May 1, 2006) on the Kiran MK-II. It was again numberplated on 30 June 2011 and resurrected on the HAWKs in February 2015