IAF inducts Su-30 MKI into frontline 221 Squadron

IAF inducts Su-30 MKI into front line 221 Squadron (सवारों का समूह)

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force on Monday inducted(शामिल किए गए) its front line Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft into the 221 Squadron, 'Valiants(बहादुरी)', at its base in Punjab, enhancing the IAF's capabilities, an official release said. Su-30 MKI is a state-of-the-art all-weather multi-role fighter jet capable of undertaking varied air combat and ground attack missions. Developed by Russia's Sukhoi, it is built under licence by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.  The induction of Sukhoi fighter jets at a frontline base close to the India-Pakistan border will act as a force-multiplier for the defence forces.

The Western Air Command chief, Air Marshal C. Hari Kumar handed over documents pertaining to the first Su-30 MKI aircraft to Squadron's Commanding Officer, Wing Commander H.S. Luthra, during the induction ceremony.

Daljeet Singh, Chief Executive Officer, MiG Complex, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, was also present.

The 'Valiants' was formed as an offensive(आक्रामक) fighter squadron in February 1963 at Barrackpore (West Bengal). It was then equipped with Vampires, Spitfire, Hurricane and Su-7 aircraft.

Su-7 aircraft dominated the East Pakistan's skies in support of the Indian Army's blitzkrieg advance in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war.

Later, the squadron was equipped with MiG-23, the Russian swept-back wing fighter bombers, which were the first to fire at the enemy during the Kargil War of 1999.

The squadron flew MiG-23 aircraft till 2009. 

Definitions of offensive आक्रामक

adjective

causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry.

the allegations made are deeply offensive to us.

synonyms: insulting, insolent, derogatory, disrespectful, hurtful, wounding, abusive, annoying, exasperating, irritating, galling, provocative, outrageous, rude, impertinent, discourteous, uncivil, impolite, crude, vulgar, coarse, improper, indecent, exceptionable

actively aggressive; attacking.

offensive operations against the insurgents(विद्रोहियों) 

synonyms: hostile, attacking, aggressive, invading, incursive, combative, belligerent, on the attack

noun

an attacking military campaign.

an impending(उपस्थित) military offensive against the guerrillas

synonyms: attack, assault, onslaught, drive, invasion, push, thrust, charge, sortie, sally, foray, raid, incursion, offense, blitz, campaign 

History of Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932.Its first ac flight came into being on 01 Apr 1933.  It possessed a strength of six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (literally, air soldiers).   The aircraft inventory comprised of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes at Drigh Road as the "A" Flight nucleus of the planned No.1 (Army Co- operation) Squadron.