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AIR FORCE MISSILE SQUADRONS AND FLIGHTS

Introduction

The Indian Air Force missile squadrons were first raised in 1965, when the SA-2 was inducted in large numbers. The Missile units were raised as 'Squadrons', All the SA-2 units being numbered in two digit series that would fit in with the gaps in the IAF flying unit number sequence.  With the induction of S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa) units, the IAF started the practice of numbering them with four digit numbers.

The 30 Pechora Squadrons are numbered sequentially from 2201 to 2231, with 2213 being skipped. There are eight OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko) Squadrons and an unknown number of Igla Flights. All the Missile units have a common motto - "Sangrame Jayate Shur" or "Only the Brave will win the wars". Each unit has an individual Crest/Patch and a nickname.

No Unit Type Nickname Equipment
34 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
46 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
50 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
53 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
58 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
62 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
63 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
64 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
72 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
74 Squadron       SA-2 [Disbanded]
           
2201 Squadron Pioneers     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2202 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2203 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2204 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2205 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2206 Squadron   1976, later 2 GWTS   S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2207 Squadron Thunderbolts     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2208 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2209 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2210 Squadron Killers     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2211 Squadron Golden Archers     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2212 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2214 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2215 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2216 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2217 Squadron Anhilators     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2218 Squadron Agni Varsha     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2219 Squadron   Thane   S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2220 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2221 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2222 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2223 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2224 Squadron Agni Baan      S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2225 Squadron Amogh Baan     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2226 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2227 Squadron Rudra Shakti     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2228 Squadron Sentinels     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2229 Squadron       S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2230 Squadron Scarlet Dragons     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
2231 Squadron Blazing Arrows     S-123M Pechora (SA-3 Goa)
           
2232 Squadron     Samharardha Avalokanaam ??
           
2251 Squadron Stingers     OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko)
2252 Squadron       OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko)
2253 Squadron       OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko)
2254 Squadron       OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko)
2255 Squadron       OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko)
2256 Squadron       OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko)
2257 Squadron       OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko)
2258 Squadron       OSA-AK (SA-8 Gecko)
           
2302 Flight       Igla 19K310 (SA-16 Gimlet)
2304 Flight       Igla 19K310 (SA-16 Gimlet)
2306 Flight Samharaks     Igla 19K310 (SA-16 Gimlet)
2307 Flight       Igla 19K310 (SA-16 Gimlet)
2308 Flight       Igla 19K310 (SA-16 Gimlet)

Acknowledgements: Indian Air Force, Vishal Sharma, Ravi Rikhye

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