No.224 is amongst the youngest fighter squadrons in the Indian Air Force. Along with its twin No.223 (Tridents), this squadron became the second of two squadrons raised specifically to accommodate India’s ‘interim’ fighter – the MiG-23MF. No.223 has since converted to MiG-29s, leaving the Warlords as India’s sole MiG-23MF operator. The MiG-23MF has, unfortunately, become something of an unknown quantity among IAF enthusiasts, having been overwhelmed by much larger numbers of the ground attack MiG-23BN. The MiG-23MF is being phased out of service so quickly, that its longevity in frontline IAF service is marginally better than the Ouragan’s.

The Warlords came into being on 4 July 1983 at Adampur, under the command of Wg Cdr R.A. Massey, Vr C. Their new commander had the distinction of being one of three IAF pilots who bagged an F-86 Sabre each over Boyra on 22 November 1971. The new squadron was tasked with the air defense of Punjab and areas northwards. At the time of their induction the MiG-23MFs were the IAF’s most modern air defense fighters – the Mirages had just been ordered. The aircraft were also the first IAF fighters to carry BVR missiles (albeit with limited performance) in the form of the R-23.

Shortly after the raising of this new squadron, the Indian Army launched its riposte "Operation Meghdoot" against Pakistani incursions into the Siachen glacier. In order to provide air cover for "Operation Meghdoot", the Indian Air Force deployed fighters to Leh (11,440 ft) and later Thoise (10,531 ft). In early 1985, a detachment of MiGs from the Warlords joined Hunters stationed at Leh in order to provide 3 Division’s operations with a measure of organic air support. The choice fell on the MiG-23MFs, not only because they were the most advanced fighters with the IAF, but also because these immensely powerful aircraft were able to operate in the demanding conditions of Ladakh. In 1986-87, the squadron was adjudged the Best Overall fighter squadron in Western Air Command. When No.223 relinquished its aircraft as a prelude to its conversion to MiG-29s, more MiG-23MFs became available to No.224. This allowed the squadron to maintain a permanent presence at Leh until 1996, and a two aircraft detachment at the forward base in Thoise.

On 9 April 1996, the squadron relocated to Halwara, where they were to remain for a year. By then the squadron was already filling an important training niche. On 31 August 1997, the squadron relocated to Jamnagar. Co-located with TACDE, the squadron continues to perform target tug duties, as well as provide BVR training, in addition to the defense of Gujarat’s air space. Some aircraft from this squadron will eventually replace the Hunters of Kalaikonda’s Target Towing Flight ‘The Banners’.