No. 101 Squadron IAF explained

Unit Name:No. 101 Squadron
Dates:
  • 1 May 1949 - January 2011
  • June 2021 - Present
Country: Republic of India
Role:Fighter
Garrison:Hasimara AFS
Nickname:"Falcons"
Motto:Anwishyavedhi
Search and Destroy
Commander1:Group Captain Abhisek Tripathi
Aircraft Fighter:Dassault Rafale

The No. 101 Squadron (Falcons) is an Indian Air Force fighter aircraft squadron which is equipped with the Dassault Rafale and is based at the Hasimara Air Force Station.[1]

History

101 Squadron was formed with the specific role of photo reconnaissance. Enjoying the place of pride in the Squadron crest is a trained hunting Falcon, the bird's keen eyesight, quick and sure kill ability symbolises the role for which the Squadron was formed.[2]

The squadron was reinstated with Dassault Rafale in June 2021 and was inducted into Hasimara, West Bengal on 28 July 2021.[3] [4]

Present

The squadron was reinstated in June 2021 with 5 Dassault Rafale in Ambala. The squadron was commissioned in its designated base in Hasimara from 28 July 2021.[5]

Assignments

Aircraft

Aircraft types operated by the squadron[6]

! Aircraft Type!!From!!To!!Air Base
June 1949 February 1957 Palam AFS
February 1957 July 1968 Adampur AFS
July 1968 June 1981
June 1981 2002 Sirsa AFS
2002 January 2011 Adampur AFS
28 July 2021 Present Hasimara AFS[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Squadrons and Helicopter Units. Bharat Rakshak. 4 December 2015.
  2. Web site: Squadron 101. John. Pike. Globalsecurity.org. 30 July 2017.
  3. Web site: Rafale training of IAF pilots in France comes to an end, eyes on 'Lethal 16' next. The Print. Alex Philip. Snehesh. 21 April 2021.
  4. Web site: INDUCTION CEREMONY OF RAFALE AIRCRAFT INTO 101 SQN ON28 JUL 21. PIB. 2021-07-28.
  5. Web site: IAF raises Rafale squadron at strategic Hasimara air base. The Week. Sagar. Pradeep R. 2021-06-23.
  6. Web site: No.101 Squadron Falcons - Bharat Rakshak:Indian Air Force. bharat-rakshak.com.
  7. Web site: IAF's second Rafale squadron to get operational by July 26. ANI. 2021-07-13.