Squadron 222
"Tigersharks"
The most ferocious and feared shark is an apt symbol for the fury and destruction power of MiG-27 aircraft. The deep penetration strike fighter bomber bears a striking resemblance to Tigersharks. Akin to Tigershark, it has the capability to venture far and wide in search of its prey. The capability of delivering enormous load in inflicting mass destruction is in resemblance to the voracious nature of Tigersharks. Like a Tigershark, a MiG-27 can achieve ultra high speed in no time making use of its swing wings.
"VINASHAY DUSHKRTAM" means "DESTROYER OF THE EVIL". 222 Squadron equipped with the MiG-27 aircraft known as the Tigershark is capable of inflicting a mortal blow to its prey without remorse of fear.
222 Squadron was raised at Ambala on 15 September 1969 equipped with SU-7 aircraft. The Squadron moved to Halwara in July 1971 and was soon engaged in active combat operations in the 1971 war. The Squadron launched counter air strikes against Risalewala and Chander Airfields with immense success despite stiff enemy opposition. Close Air Support was centered around Dra-Baba-Nanak, Husseinwala and Firozpur sectors. Numerous strikes were launched against enemy armour, gunpositions and troops which virtually paralysed the armour thrust and exposed its weak flanks for the Indian armour. Short term interdiction missions were directed against rolling stock, rail tracks, marshalling yeards, bridges and enemy convoys. In this the Squadron achieved remarkable success. Photo recee missions were launched deep into enemy territory against enemy radars. The Squadron was highly decorated for its role during the conflict with one MVC, three Vr C, three VMs and two Mentioned in Despatches.
The Squadron shifted back to Ambala in May 1975 and continued to operate from there until May 1981. On 14 May 81, the Squadron shifted to Hindon. In December 1985, the Squadron became the first unit in the IAF, to be equipped with MiG-27 aircraft. The then Prime Minister, Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, visited the Squadron and named it "The Tigersharks". The Squadron moved to Air Force Station Hasimara on 19 May 1989.
The Tigersharks having been the first Squadron to fly the new versatile MiG-27, also named Bahadur, have become a potent strike force of the IAF. This aircraft is a supersonic, all weather, advanced strike fighter featuring strike capability over long ranges with a stable weapon platform and also capable of delivering an assortment of guided and unguided weapons with great accuracy at high speeds creating havoc among the enemy camps.
