Ghaziabad: In an epoch-defining ceremony at Hindan Air Force Station, President Droupadi Murmu ceremoniously bestowed the President’s Standard and Colours upon four distinguished Indian Air Force units. An unprecedented convergence unfolded as both the 45 Squadron and the 221 Squadron were adorned with the President’s Standard, while the 11 Base Repair Depot and the 509 Signal Unit were honored with the President’s Colours.
This marks a historic juncture, being the inaugural occasion where four units of the IAF have been concurrently graced with the prestigious President’s Standard and Colours. Recognized as the pinnacle of military distinction, these accolades were conferred upon units that have etched indelible contributions into the annals of the IAF’s storied history.
The 45 Squadron, christened the ‘Flying Daggers’ since its inception in 1959, played a pivotal role in ‘Operation Vijay,’ spearheading the liberation of Goa from Portuguese dominion in 1960. The 221 Squadron, known as the ‘Valiants,’ took its genesis on February 14, 1963, in Barrackpore, armed with Vampire aircraft. A mere two years post-formation, the squadron exemplified valor in the Eastern theatre during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, rendering commendable service to the nation.