No.52 Squadron 'Sharks' / 'Suryakirans'
The youngest squadron of the Indian Air Force, was raised on 01 January 1986 at Hashimara. Wg Cdr GM Viswanathan VM was the first Commanding Officer of the Sharks which was raised on the MiG-21FL (Type-77). The primary role of the squadron is air defence and it has a secondary ground attack role. However, during peace time the squadron, like other EAC MiG-21 units, has carried the additional responsibility of conducting MOFTU syllabus of young pilots. 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 January 1990 under the command of Wg Cdr AD Chibbar where it continued to perform its primary, secondary and peacetime roles. On 01 November 1996 the squadron moved to Chabua, where it is presently located. During the Brasstacks alert in 1987, the squadron operated a detachment from Srinagar from where it was to undertake OAS missions. The squadron was declared the 'Best Supersonic Fighter Squadron' for 1989-90. It was also adjudged the 'Best Fighter Squadron' in the EAC for 1993-94 and 1995-96.
The Squadron's main role for years has been that of an Operational Conversion Unit. However with the fatigue life of the Type 77 coming to an end, the Squadron was numberplated in June 2005.
On 1st May 2006, The Indian Air Force' Aerobatic Team, otherwise known as "Surya Kirans" was redesignated as No.52 Squadron. The Suryakirans have been in existence for nearly ten years by that time and are all poised to carry the torch of the original No.52 Squadron for the years to come.
Acknowledgements
IAF Official Page.