Missile Squadrons and Flights

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 units, the IAF started the practice of numbering them with four digit numbers.

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 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 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.

Acknowledgements: Indian Air Force, Vishal Sharma, Ravi Rikhye, Mrityunjoy Mazumdar