While there were murmurs that Chuck Yeager flew sorties against Indian pilots during the war, it has been always officially denied. In his autobiography, Chuck claimed “I didn’t get involved in the actual combat because that would’ve been too touchy, but I did fly around and pick up shot-down Indian pilots and take them back to prisoner-of-war camps for questioning. I interviewed them about the equipment they had been flying and the tactics their Soviet advisers taught them to use. I wore a uniform or flying suit all the time, and it was amusing when those Indians saw my name tag and asked, “Are you the Yeager who broke the sound barrier?” They couldn’t believe I was in Pakistan or understand what I was doing there. I told them, “I’m the American Defense Rep here. That’s what I’m doing.”

The latest facebook post he admits “When I was flying with Pakistan in the war with India, Pakistan had F-104s and India had MiG-21s. I told the Pakistanis: Stay away from the MiG-21s. Don’t try to turn with a MiG 21 in an F-104. They didn’t listen and sure enough when the F-104s jumped the MiG-21s and tangled with them, the F-104s got shot down.”

Chuck Yeager’s Facebook Post admitting he flew with Pakistan during war with India

Few Posts down, he writes “Correction: Pakistan would have been invaded except for Nixon told Gandhi he had nuke weapons trained on India and the US would enter the war. I think the Pakistanis, other than the F-104 instance, were some of the best in the world (besides US) – because they got the most flying time each month.”

Chuck Yeager claims Nixon threatened Indra Gandhi with Nuclear Weapons

On being questioned by Armiral Arun Prakash’s claim of shooting down of his Beachcraft, Chuck said “Mostly rumor by an braggart Indian pilot.”

Chuck Yeager calls Admiral Arun Prakash a Braggart

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The 1975 October 11 cable shows that a SAAB-Scania had sent a proposal US embassy for proposed sale of the aircraft to India. “Saab-Scania apparently has permission from the Swedish Government to proceed with a response to the request for proposal.

“As a prime contractor, Saab has been asked by the Indians to obtain the necessary permits from the United States to export those parts of the Viggen that originate in the U.S. or are built in Sweden on license. Principal of these parts is the engine, a modified Pratt & Whitney JT8D, manufactured on license by Volvo Fly Motor. There are additionally, quite a number of electronic and mechanical components to the aircraft which are of U.S. manufacture.”

Robert Strausz-Hupé, the US ambassador to Sweden had supported the proposed sale. He wrote in the cable “I support a Viggen sale to India as long as it does not stand in the way of an American product, because 1) the maintenance of a vigorous Swedish defense industry, and 2) the diversification of Indian defense procurement and, hence, lessened Indian dependence on Soviet Union lie in our interest.”

1975 November 15 cable reveals that Swedish Government was not keen on a sale to India. “It should be noted that we have no firm assurance at this point that GOS (Government of Sweden) itself would necessarily approve sale of Viggen to India; nor do we know extent to which Swedish military would wish to see aircraft avionics downgraded,” states the cable.

The 1975 November 14 document quotes Kissinger ” Since it looks as if GOI (Government of India) may in any case be inclined toward Jaguar, we would like to defer formal USG decision on Viggen sale in order to minimize possible damage to our relations with both India and Sweden in event we would decide not to approve.”

Noting that “to best of our knowledge, we have no veto on sale of British – French Jaguar to India,” Henry Kissinger said that No policy decision has been taken on this case yet, but the fact that we have been unwilling to sell sophisticated combat aircraft to Pakistan would have significant bearing.”He asked US Embassy in Sweden to discourage sending a Proposal to India, using technical points as an excuse.”

1975 November 19 cable shows that the British were agreeable to give credit for sales to India. “A British high commission officer told us november 19 that the British Jaguar is still very much in the running in the Indian Air Force (IAF) sweepstakes.

“London has now decided to offer the government of India a more favorable financing arrangement, 7 1/4 percent over five years, than was earlier the case. The GOI has asked for two percent over 15 years, but the British tell us this is impossible. The GOI still wants 40 aircraft to be delivered within 36 months. The original British offer was 60 months, but they are now talking in terms of 40 odd months….The British still believe they have the best product and remain the favorite of the iaf, but they acknowledge the Viggen remains in competition,” reads the cable.

Mi-23 is the frontrunner says 1975 December 19 cable, “on the question of a new fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, (reftel), De Bonnecurse said it was not expected that a decision will have been made before Chirac’s visit. In fact, Chirac hopes to be able to boost sales prospects for the Mirage F-1 during his visit. On the basis of available information, the Mig-23 appears to be the frontrunner, De Bonnecorse said. He said this is true for both Political and financial reasons. The GOF (Government of France) is now debating two tactical options De Bonnecorse indicated– place full weight behind the mirage, or switch to the Jaguar in the hope that combined British and French influence will prevail. There is a body of opinion in the GOF which argues that the “British lobby” in India is influential, and that the only chance for defeating the Mig lies in a joint Anglo-French Effort. DeBbonnecorse said that Indian Air Force pilots are currently in France test flying the Mirage.”

1976 January 16 cable explains the sales details of Viggen. “The Swedes here are once again optimistic about their chances of selling the Viggen to the Indian Air Force. The Saab Scania sales manager and the chief technical advisor, the former acting commander of the Swedish Air Force, returned to New Delhi ten days ago for conferences with the Indians. The technical advisor is still here and will remain as long as necessary to handle questions from the new Indian defense minister and new IAF chief of the staff, both of whom according to our Swedish colleague, require time to brief themselves on the competing fighters.

“The Swedes here expect that the iaf will send a test pilot to Sweden to fly the Viggen since the current models coming off the line are airworthy. He tells us the Indians have accepted the explanation for the wing structural defect which temporarily grounded the early models.

The Swedes believe their most telling point, however,is the longevity of the aircraft. They say they have convinced the IAF that the replaceable avionics packages in the Viggen render it capable of periodic modernization with the result that it will be viable until 2000 (which sounds a bit far fetched to us). Our Swedish colleague said the proposal continues to be that the Indians build the airframes and possibly some engines or engine components, but the Swedes provide the avionics. Since the Indians want “the best”, according to our Swedish contact, the IAF regards the avionics as vital. Moreover, the Swedes would not consider Selling the Viggen without the “black boxes.” These factors, The swedes assert, go a long way to offset the disadvantage Of relatively high initial unit cost. Another inducement, As seen by the Swedes here, is that Saab Scania has completed its survey of indian exports and concluded it could market several items in sweden or the west making a barter type arrangement at least feasible from the swedish point of view.

“The swedish foreign minister is due on a visit to New Delhi circa March 1. The swedes are braced for another indian appeal for credit which our colleague says sweden will not grant, but he did say the minister would strongly support the viggen sale. Our colleague would not say what other concessions the swedes may be considering.”

Another 1976 January 16 cable details the final race for the Indian Air Force Deep penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA) purchase. “within the past week British high commissioner Michael Walker has spoken to defence minister Bansi Lal about the Jaguar. Lal wanted precise figures on terms, prices, delivery dates for the Jaguar. The defence minister also told the British that the French Mirage was still very much in competition, and that he anticipated a new French offer. Sir Michael intends to see defence secretary Kohli in the near Future and say that Britain is prepared to deliver the first 20 to 24 aircraft on credit, the terms to be five years at 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 percent. The British will deliver the maximum number 24, only if the French concur in the credit arrangement.

“the French believe their chances are still excellent French prime minister Chirac will discuss the matter with Mrs Gandhi during his visit, January 23 to 26, but the French embassy here does not expect the matter to be resolved during that visit. The French understand the Indian team was pleased by the results of their visit to France, but more and more the French embassy here is convinced that it is Prime Minister Gandhi alone who will make the final decision, which the french assert will be on political grounds. Our French embassy contact again repeated the French assessment That the Soviets are very much in the running and are energetically pushing the late model mig aircraft. The French see some mix in the Indian selection as as possible. The French also believe the Swedes have reduced their prices and offered to take rupees in payment, but our French contact could not or would not give the basis for this conclusion.”

British and french agree for credit and competition from MiG-21B shows 1976 February 9 cable, “the French minister-counselor likewise told the ADCM Feb 9 she (Indira Gandhi) did not think time was a pressing factor. (the French air attaché circa jan 28 told our assistant air attaché the IAF decision was at least three months away.) She added that during his visit prime minister Chirac told the Indian ..the French would offer identical credit terms for the jaguar or the Mirage F-1, but it was for the Indians to decide which plane they preferred. She, however, has some doubts as to the indian intention to acquire a new aircraft. The counselor also reported that the French embassy heard the GOI has already placed an order for Mig-21B’s. We have no confirming information on this report, but have heard similar stories from third-country attaches as well as from the soviet air attaché. We do not believe any Mig-21 deal, assuming report are accurate, would in any event be seen by the iaf as a substitute for the western fighter, but as replacements for old IAF Mig-21s whose air frame life-expectancy is exhausted.”

On 1976 May 18 cable says that SAAB-Scania submitted a formal proposal to embassy stating that the model to be sold to India equivalent to older generation and the technologies was of 1950′s and 60′s. The company also warned of India evaluating a Soviet aircraft. “Saab-Scania wants to stress that the aircraft Viggen 37VA is an older, first-generation Viggen, not equivalent to the lastest version 37JA.., that the components belong to the 1950 and early 1960′s, that the aircraft and its components are not at the most advanced technology level and involve a low level of military secrecy…..“The government of India says it will not enter into contractual relations with SAAB-Scania without knowing that the necessary us authorizations will be forthcoming.

“Indian Air Force pilots will come to Sweden (Linkoping) in early June to test-fly the Viggen.

“The Soviet Union has entered the competition to provide India with an attack aircraft (which the Saab-Scania officials were unable to identify specifically),” states the cable.

The same cable sates that Swedish Government was not averse to the potential sale. “In separate but related moves, Swedish MFA officials have furnished embassy with somewhat contradictory indications re Swedish position. Deputy director for political affairs Thyberg advised DCM that Swedish government’s position is more nuanced than the negative position he said was incorrectly voiced to defense department officials in April by visiting deputy minister of defense Ulf larsson. The Swedish government “has no objection,” he said, to Saab-Scania’s proposals for initial deliveries and gradual transfer of production capability, but future deliveries would always be contingent on “circumstances prevailing at the time.”

“GOS has also advised the GOI that the GOS could not provide the same kind of assurances of future deliveries which sweden was ready to provide potential NATO purchasers of the Viggen,” states the cable.

SAAB-Scania tried to differentiate the Viggen Models that will be sold to India in order to secure US nod. 1976 August 4 cable notes ” We also believe that SAAB-Scania’s efforts to make a significant distinction between current A-J 37 aircraft and the modified version “37VA” which would be the system provided to India are unrealistic. The configuration list provided (Stockholm 2807) contains only equipment which falls into the normal airframe category. It does not indicate the military subsystems which would give the aircraft a combat capacity. We would have to know what military subsystems are to be included with this attack version in order to make a complete evaluation of the technological sensitivity. In our opinion, SAAB-Scania could not build in a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost an export attack version of the Viggen without continuing to use classified us technology or equipment for the military subsystems.”

US Embassy on 1976 August 6 notes backing out by the Swedish Government, “They have also stressed that sale of Viggen to India was of secondary consideration to them, in comparison with value of military cooperation with U.S. Both Anders Thunborg, Secretary of State and Chairman of Royal Defense Commission, and Knut Thyberg, MFA official responsible for arms exports, have made this point to me and to senior members of my staff. The fact that approach to the embassy on possible export of Viggen to India was made by SAAB-Scania and not by Swedish Government, reflected not only reluctance of GOS to sell Viggen to India but also determination of GOS not to take any action which would jeopardize our cooperative relationship.”

On 1976 August 6, the US Embassy cable states that SAAB-SCANIA President Curt Mileikowsky was told “After careful consideration, has concluded that no version of the Viggen containing any classified U.S. Components would be acceptable for transfer to India. I said USG would also oppose any transfer to India, for local production, of the advanced U.S. Technology represented in the Viggen’s aerodynamic design, engine and flying controls, navigation system, electronic components and weapons systems.” The embassy said a negative response can be anticipated if formal Swedish Government sent a formal request to US.

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Indian project team (from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL), has also been sent to Russia to learn the upgrades, and are scheduled to return back to train other HAL employees to upgrade the remaining 63 aircraft’s. Indian Air Force operates a total of 69 MiG-29′s.

First three MiG-29 UPG’s of the fist stage returned to India In December 2012. (read MiG-29 B/UBFirst three upgraded MiG-29 fighters delivered to Indian Air Force)

The modernisation programme was launched in 2009 in cooperation with HAL. India launched upgrades of its existing aircraft’s to arrest declining inventory and delay in induction of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) aircraft. Other than the medium category, India is also in the process of replacing its lighter MiG-21′s with India made LCA Tejas aircraft.

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Frontline fighter aircraft’s include Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG-21,MiG-27, MiG-29 and Hawk AJT’s. The rotary wing will compose of Mi-8, Mi-17 V5, Mi-17 1V and Mi-35 Attack Helicopters. Among the transport aircraft’s will be C130J, AN-32, Embraer and IL-76.

The IAF would also be showcasing, for the first time, its Surface to Air Missile Systems and its latest aircraft Pilatus PC-7 Mk II. The events at – Iron Fist intend to display various aspects of Fire Power like- Air Defence Operations, Counter Surface Force Operations, Urban Warfare and Combat Search Rescue Operations.

In addition, IAF’s Parajumping Team, Akash Ganga, IAF’s Air Warrior Drill Team and Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra would also perform.

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The Variety of Aircraft with Indian Air Force

The last major aircraft acquired into IAF is the SU-30MKI. India today operates 8 squadrons of Su-30. Mirage-2000 is the next important aircraft, though, not in terms of numbers as IAF operates only 3 Squadrons of this multi-role aircraft, with which IAF is very happy. Besides the above, IAF has Mig-21s, Mig-27s, Jaguars and Mig-29s in its inventory. When the need for MMRCA came into picture it was for filling the gap – as Mig-21s – the real work horse of IAF for many decades – was coming to the end of its extended shelf-life. As is the case with so many varieties of Mig-23s, Mig-27s etc that IAF acquired in 1980s when US gave F-16s to Pakistan. The Mirage-2000 was also an acquisition in response to Pak F-16s. In 1990s, country hoped that LCA Tejas would be ready in the first decade of 21st century for squadron level entry to replace Mig-21s. With the delay in LCA, IAF said we need to fill an immediate need quickly by getting a Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft in the force. The importance of Medium in contrast to LCA’s Light is easy to distinguish. What could be a medium combat aircraft – definitely which can carry heavier load – may be more “hard points” – better, longer range avionics etc. When it came to choice, we created the competition between the best “Medium” aircraft available.

Indian’s Home grown LCA Tejas

Everyone agrees that Su-30 MKI is one of the most capable aircraft. It is already been improved and the new lot of 42 ordered last month will have better avionics etc. What is more, we would have our local Hindustan Aeronautics Limited able to absorb and built them as we get into future. Capability wise – will Su-30MKI fill up the role of MMRCA – May be yes, may be no. For one, it is not medium, it is heavy. But cost-wise and continuity-wise may be better if we look at an option of SU-30MKI and LCA for numbers this decade and next.

The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft/Perspective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

By 2022 India will start receiving the FGFA or PMF being jointly developed with Russia. This is the logical evolution from SU-30MKI. Also IAF should start getting LCA and the LCA mark 2 as well. India will be working on three key aircraft streams FGFA, Su-30MKI and LCA and its variants.

The Unmanned Combat Aircraft Dimension

Many key operations performed by manned combat aircraft are rapidly being performed by Unmanned Air-borne Vehicles (UAVs) and the upcoming Unmanned Air Combat Vehicles (UCAVs). Indian Air Force will be well-served to increase more UAV/UCAV component in its inventory rapidly. Here, Indian Industry can be handy with our vast experience in software. The key to “Unmanned” is mission-critical software that makes these vehicles – unmanned.

Recommendations

Given the above factors and dimensions, it may be prudent for IAF to rethink its future order of battle and design itself on three key streams of Su-30MKI, LCA++ and FGFA. Also, IAF will be well-served with increasing and creating potent “Unmanned” capability – long-range, medium-range and short-range. The transitions will be well-served by the existing MIGs, Jaguars and Mirage-2000s. Rafale, although a fantastic aircraft, will not fit into the long-term requirements of the country. Unless it is being considered to include Rafale as the third leg of the IAF future thereby, making LCA still-born. If IAF take this as the key requirement – then in 2030 we should be giving may be Trillion Dollars for buying the latest Toys that French may create and our adversaries will be laughing continuously as China would have its own stealth fighters and bombers which China will gleefully share with Pakistan. Hope the defence budget cut proves to be a blessing in disguise and we stop this “Medium” search to focus on real future.

Navneet Bhushan (Navneet) is a founder director of CRAFITTI CONSULTING (www.crafitti.com) – an Innovation and Intellectual Property Consulting firm focused on co-crafting Innovation in global enterprises. He is the winner of Indira India Innovation award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Leadership for 2012. He is the principal author of Strategic Decision Making- Applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process published by Springer-Verlag, UK, as part of the Decision Engineering Series. Read Navneet Bhushan Profile. Read Navneet Bhushan Columns.

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Air Marshal is the only Pilot in the history of the IAF to have commanded units with the Mig-21, MiG-23U, MiG-25, MiG-27 and MiG-29 aircraft. He has also served as the Air Attaché in the Indian Embassy at Washington.

He visited Naval Base Kochi on 10 Jun 11 for his farewell visit. The Air Marshal was received by Vice Admiral KN Sushil, Flag Officer Commander in Chief, Southern naval Command on board INS Tir, where he reviewed a ceremonial Guard of Honour. The Air Force Commander in Chief also later called on the Naval Commander in Chief on board the Ship. Air Marshal Mukherji’s other programmes at Southern Naval Command included a briefing, visit INS Tarangini at sea, and a formal reception at Southern Naval Command Officers Mess later in the evening.

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An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune, he is a Fighter Combat Leader, who has also served as an instructor at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and the Tri-services Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington.

A graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, Albama, USA, he had trained with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the United Kingdom, on Jaguar aircraft and went on to command a Jaguar Squadron subsequently.

During his long and distinguished career spanning 38 years, he has held various operational and staff appointments that include – Joint Director at Air War Strategy Cell at Air Headquarters, Chief Operations Officer and Air Officer Commanding of a SU-30 base, Air-I at New Delhi based Western Air Command (WAC) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air Headquarters.

He was also responsible for establishing the Indian Defence Wing in Tel Aviv, Israel in April 1997 where he served as the Defence Attache till July 2000. From March 2007 to 31 May 2009 he functioned as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) at Air Headquarters and was responsible for lAF’s major Modernization Programmes.

Before taking over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) at Air Headquarters on 01 January 2011, he was the AOC-in-C of Western Air Command, lAF’s most vital operational Command. Under his command and personal supervision, the first ever landing of an AN-32 (fixed wing aircraft) took place at Nyoma, advance Landing Ground (ALG), located at an altitude of 13,300 feet on 18 September 2009.

Air Marshal Browne is recipient of Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM) and is appointed as one of the Honorary ADCs to the President of India.

Married to Mrs Kiran Browne, they have a son, Omar, a fighter pilot in the IAF and a daughter Alisha, who is working with a multinational company.

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The exercise began on 9th May and will finish on 14th May.

GOC-in-C, Western Command, Lt Gen SR Ghosh flew in an IAF Jaguar over the large exercise area covering nearly 2,400 sq km. “The exercise is aimed at making the force more agile, versatile, lethal, networked and capable of giving victory in war,” said the Army Commander.

The exercises are offensive and defensive, integrating and validation of concepts of modern warfare that have emerged during the transformation studies of Indian Army, network centricity, testing and evaluation of new equipments are some of the objectives achieved in the exercise.

The exercise aimed at rapid mobilization involved several mechanized operations towards offensive operations. Battlefield transparency and operational plans based on real-time situational awareness was enhanced using intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) inputs from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and satellites.

Indian planners see air assets to play a decisive role in future battles. The air assets of the Army and Air Force were employed in an integrated manner in the exercise. Integration with the Air Force in all stages and employment of airborne and heliborne Special Forces has been a highlight of the Exercise Vijayee Bhava.

The IAF aircrafts included Mig-29, Mig-21 Bison, Jaguars, IL-76, AN-32, Mi-17 1V, Avro, Chetak and the attack helicopters – Mi-25/35.

Offensive Air Defence was integral in the exercise that included interception in enemy territory. Nearly 100 fighter sorties, decimation of advancing armour, round-the-clock readiness for fighters and attack helicopters, mobilization of several ground and airborne air defence assets were undertaken by the IAF.

300 paratroopers and 50 despatchers were air dropped from one IL-76 and six AN-32 transport aircraft in stealthy night operations. The IAF pressed in Mi-17 1V Utility helicopters for special heliborne operations (SHBO), including dropping of Special Forces behind simulated enemy lines.

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Long time back, India wanted to buy the F-104 Starfighter and was bounced. We were asked to buy English Electric Lightning instead. The Soviet Union gave India the Mig-21. This is where the rivalry began. Indian Air force trained to defeat the American F-104 star fighters and F-86 Sabres in the Pakistan Air force. It was not just the IAF, even the Indian masses saw the fighters as enemy fighters. Then came the F-16′s to PAF. They flew aggressive CAPS and India purchased Mig-23, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 as a counter. F-16 is considered enemy fighter even today. F-16 also has the tag of a donation fighter, normally given free to Pakistan. Indian’s grew up with stories of how Russian fighters were better than the Americans. 1965 and 1971 war further maligned the American fighters as enemies and defeatable. Notwithstanding brash claims by PAF pilots, Indians know that PAF had shut shop during 1971 war. Pakistani brandishing of F-16 during Kargil and Mumbai attack did not go well on the Indian side.

The massive Hollywood style blitzkrieg by American media managers did not produce awe among Indians. Old planes in new airframe said the Indian’s, and look, they are still selling it to Pakistanis. The logic of superior F-16′s to India fell on deaf ears. It is a matter of time that Pakistan will ask for parity in F-16′s too and US will comply, said the Indians. F-18 was just two numbers ahead of F-16. The media blitzkrieg backfired too. Indians are already hard wired to the dangers of American propaganda during the cold war. Another point was that the Lockheed Martin is still unpopular for withholding the Indian Light Combat Aircraft project.

F-16 IN, the enemy aircaft. Image: Lockheed Martin

Then American’s committed seven cardinal sins. The first was an American company (Lockheed Martin?) asking the Indian Defence Minister to fix a schedule for the MMRCA contract. Indian Defence Minister reacted angrily to it. Second was the Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement or “CISMoA” effect on existing deals. The third one was Boeing telling Indians that we can’t export LCA if they consult for it. The fourth one was Obama coming and telling us that he wanted the deal so that he could create jobs in his country. The fifth one was the Indian journalists fresh from sponsored US trip, telling Indians that the deal was miniscule compared to what US buys. The sixth one was when Lockheed Martin allegedly illegally obtained access to classified documents relating to the competition. And the final was indicating that the strategic deal hinges on the fighter aircraft deal.

To sum up, Americans wanted India to shell out hard cash for normally free equipment that comes with restrictive conditions and intrusive inspections.

American’s are not just bad pitchers, but, also bad losers. After being told that their planes won’t be needed, it was amusing to see how the US officials and contractors behaved. It began with the Americam Ambassador resigning. Then Lockheed martin and Boeing were publicly calling for Indian explanations.

This is an interesting case study on how not to sell fighter aircrafts.

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The official release mentions that the Air Chief addressed the personnel at the station. Later he visited the operational units based at the station.

The Air Chief is the commodore Commandant of the 26 Squadron, and is one of the units he visited. He had commanded the Squadron from November 24, 1986 to December 18, 1988. The frontline fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force, 26 Squadron called the ‘Warriors’ was formed on January 1, 1968 at Adampur. 26 Sqn was the first to be equipped with Russian built Su-7 aircraft. During 1971 India – Pakistan war, the Squadron earned four Vir Chakras, two Vayu Sena Medals, one Vishisht Seva Medal and one Mention-in-Dispatches. In 1977, the Squadron was re-equipped with Mig-21 aircraft and moved to its present location in Pathankot.

Pathankot is just 30 Kms from the volatile Pakistani border. It is also a vital lifeline to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is under constant threat from Pakistani Army and is under strain because of Pakistan sponsored terrorism.

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