IAF's 20 Squadron celebrates golden jubilee

Pune, May 27 (UNI) A thrilling aerobatic display by SU-30 MKI, Suryakirans alongwith a paradrop display marked the golden jubilee celebrations of the 20 Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at 2-Wing base at Lohegaon here today.

The Squadron, which flew the indomitable 'Vampire' aircraft at its inception, now flies the most technically advanced weapon platform - the Sukhoi-30-MKI.

Sukhois were inducted into the IAF at Pune on May 20, 2002 when the Lightning became the first Squadron of the IAF to be equipped with Su-30 MKI aircraft. It is a multi-role fighter aircraft with immense firepower and the latest avionics suits.

Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash, after inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations, told mediapersons that the IAF is on the verge of introducing MIG-29 (Vikramaditya) in mid-2008 to strengthen its strikepower.

He said in the last 35 years there has been a tremendous spurt in the technology which has enabled the IAF to be more powerful in use of missiles and acquiring new planes to ''match striking power of our neighbour.'' Senior officers, including GOC-in-C, Southern Command, Lt-General Aditya Singh and Air Marshal (retd) C V Parkar who had commanded the Squadron during the 1971 operations, were present.

UNI SP/DWN VJ VC1700