222 Squadron was raised at Ambala on 15 Sep 69 with SU-7 aircraft. The Squadron moved to Halwara in Jul 71 and was soon engaged in active combat operations in the 1971 war. The Squadron launched counter air strikes against Risalewala and Chander Airfields with immense success despite stiff enemy opposition. Close Air Support was centered around Dra-Baba-Nanak, Husseinwala and Firozpur sectors. Numerous strikes were launched against enemy armour, gunpositions and troops which virtually paralysed the armour thrust and exposed its weak flanks for the Indian armour. Short term interdiction missions were directed against rolling stock, rail tracks, marshalling yeards, bridges and enemy convoys. In this the Squadron achieved remarkable success. Photo recee missions were launched deep into enemy territory against enemy radars. The Squadron was highly decorated for its role during the conflict with one MVC, three Vr C, three VMs and two Mentioned in Despatches.

In the post war period the Units continued its relentless task of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and gained wide acclaim in exercises, gunnery meets and inspections. The Squadron shifted back to Ambala in May 75 and continued to operate from there till May 81. On 14 May 81, the Squadron shifted to Hindon. In Dec 85 the Squadron became the first Units in the IAF, to be quipped with MiG-27 aircraft. The then Prime Minister Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi visited the Squadron and named it "The Tigersharks". The Squadron moved to Air Force Station Hasimara on 19 May 1989. The Squadron was number plated in March 2011. It was resurrected in Jan 2020 on the Su-30 aircraft