IAF's first ever squadron to celebrate platinum jubilee tom

New Delhi, Mar 31 (UNI) 'The Tigers,' the first ever Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF), will celebrate its platinum jubilee tomorrow.

The No. 1 Squadron was raised on April 1, 1933.

The earliest history of IAF is synonymous with growth and advancement of 1 Squadron.

It was formed with Wapiti aircraft and at present operated the state-of-the-art Mirage 2000s.

The Squadron has the distinction of taking part in eleven operations pre and post independence.

Hostilities in North West Frontier Province in 1937, Op Vijay -- Liberation of Goa in 1961, Indo-Pak wars in 1965 and 1971 and Op Safed Sagar (Kargil) in 1999 were some of the major operations carried out by the Squadron.

The Squadron is also the recipient of the prestigious President colour in 1968, which it got at the hands of Dr Zakir Hussain.

On its 75th anniversary, the Squadron will put up a ceremonial parade and fly-past at its base - Air Force Station Gwalior.

The Marshal of the IAF, Arjan Singh, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, would be present on the occasion.

Air Chief Marshal Major would unveil and present a Wapiti aircraft model to the Squadron.

The Marshal of the IAF would also release a special day cover On the occasion.

UNI AG pdt nd1930