No. 223 Squadron IAF explained

Unit Name:No. 223 Squadron
Dates:
  • 10 May 1982 — July 1989
  • February 1990 — Present
Country: Republic of India
Role:Fighter
Garrison:AFS Srinagar
Nickname:"Tridents"
Motto:Vijayastra Amoghastra
Weapon for Victory
Aircraft Fighter:Mig-29UPG

No. 223 Squadron (Tridents) is a fighter squadron and is equipped with MiG-29UPG and based at srinagar AFS.[1]

History

223 Squadron IAF was formed on 10 May 1982. It was the first Squadron in the IAF to be equipped with MiG-23 MF. The Squadron had the unique distinction of operating MiG-23s from Leh airport one of the highest airfields a fighter has ever operated from. The Squadron was christened The Swing Wing Interceptors in accordance with the aircraft it operated then.

In May 1989, the phasing out of MiG-23s started. Induction of the MiG-29s commenced in early 1990 and within a few months the Squadron had its full complement of aircraft and was fully operational. Since the swing wing was no more applicable the Squadron changed its nickname to Tridents.[2]

The squadron's crest shows the striking end of "Trident". As per Indian history, this three pronged weapon, is Lord Shiva's powerful weapon. He is also known as the God of destruction.[3]

The squadron was moved to Srinagar after the decommissioning of No. 51 Squadron.[4]

Aircraft

Aircraft Types operated by 223 Squadron[5] [6] ! Aircraft Type !! From !! To !! Air Base
MiG-23 MF10 May 1982 July 1989 AFS Adampur
February 1990 July 2023
August 2023Present AFS Srinagar

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Squadrons and Helicopter Units. Bharat Rakshak. 4 December 2015.
  2. Web site: Squadron 223. John. Pike. Globalsecurity.org. 30 July 2017.
  3. Web site: Squadron 37. John. Pike. Globalsecurity.org. 30 July 2017.
  4. Web site: India Deploys New Fighter Jet Squadron In Srinagar To Counter Pak, China. NDTV. 2023-08-12.
  5. Web site: No.223 Squadron Tridents. 2022-01-02 .
  6. Web site: India for peace, but will use might to protect itself: President Ram Nath Kovind. Hindustan Times. 2017-11-17. 2022-01-02.