• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Squadron 25
"Himalayan Eagles"

The primary role of the Squadron, being Air Maintenance in the Northern Sector, the unit crest rightfully depicts the 'Himalayan Eagles' in all its glory. The background depicts the mighty show capped Himalayas over which the Squadron aircraft have been flying day in and day out, ever since its inception.

Ladakh region is basically hostile and rugged in nature and is snow bound for a major part of the year. The roads remain unsuable for nearly eight to nine months in an year and transportation of men, material and ration by air is the only viable alternative. Further North, where the Army is deployed over the Siachen glacier, air dropping by AN-32 aircraft and helicopters is the only way to survival. Therefore, the unit serves as a 'lifeline' for the Northern Sector and hence the inscription on the crest ' The Saviors of the North'.

In the wake of the Chinese aggression in 1962, a need was felt to strengthen India's supply lines to the Army in the Northern Sector encompassing J&K and Ladakh regions. Consequently, 25 Squadron, AF was formed on 1 March 1963, with 4 AN-12 aircraft acquired from the erstwhile USSR.

The tasks entrusted to the squadron are:

• Air maintenance in the Northern Sector;
• Transportation of cargo, both within the country and Ex-India;
• Transportation of troops whenever and wherever tasked;
• Paradropping and platform drops at designated dropping zones;
• To bring succor to the needy during natural calamities; both within & outside the country.

During the period stretching from 1963-1989, the squadron operated the AN-12 aircraft along with 44 Squadron AF which was co-located in Chandigarh. It took part in the following operations:

• Indo-Pak Conflict (1965): AN-12 aircraft of the squadron were used for movement of men and material.
• Indo-Pak Conflict (1971): Departing from its usual role of transportation, the AN-12 were utilised as bombers extensively in the Western Sector. The Battalion Group paradrop at Tangail in East Pakistan was a noteworthy success.

By the mid-eighties, however, the 'Old Work-horses', the AN-12 had aged and spares requirement had overtaken available supply. To provide relief to the AN-12 fleet, four IL-76 aircraft joined the 'Himalayan Eagles' in 1989. The two heavy transport aircraft worked together for four years before the AN-12 yielded the pride of place to the medium transport aircraft, the AN-32, and glided into the pages of IAF's history on 30 June 1993.

In 1990, during the Firing of IR Flares at the Pokhran Range, two IL-76 were modified and their objective was to test the systems effectiveness to divert fire power of heat seeking missiles, shoulder fired guns, and also jamming of radar by dispensing chaff around the aircraft.

During the Gulf war, IL-76 were used for the evacuation of stranded Indians from Dubai and Basra. This was the biggest Indian airlift operation since World War II.

In 1992, IL-76 were used for the evacuation of 5000 passengers stranded at Leh due to a strike by the Indian Airlines. They were also used for the airlifting of paramilitary forces to every nook and corner of the country in the aftermath of the Ayodhya riots.

In 1993-94, the deinduction of 24 T-72 Tanks from Leh took place. Due to restrictions of maximum take off weights when operating from Leh (altitude 3270 meters), the deinduction was a laborious process as the hull and turret of the tank had to be dismantled and two sorties were required to deinduct one tank (weight of hull 24 tons; turret 10 tons; other accessories 8 tons). A total of 55 sorties were flown to deinduct 24 tanks plus four ARVs.

On 30 June 93, the AN-12 phasing out marked the end of a chapter of transport operations in the IAF. They were replaced by 3 AN-32 in July 1993. Three more AN-32 were allotted in August 1993. By September 1993, the AN-32 took over the complete gamut of operational roles in the Northern Sector. They joined the IL-76 of the squadron to walk in the footsteps of the AN-12 aircraft.

By January 1994, 3 sets of AN-32 crew had been qualified on the new displaced Trail formation. The squadron's AN-32 aircraft took part in Ex-leaping Gazelle (2 AN-32 aircraft) and Desert Fox (01 AN-32 aircraft) and dropped paratroopers, in formation by night, with precision.

During Exercise Snow Leopard, in January 1994, a P-16 heavy platform was dropped for the first time at Stakna DZ (Elev 3270 m) with excellent results. 2 AN-32 aircraft of the squadron successfully took part in the paradrop formation.

In May 94, the IL-76 of this squadron carried out evacuation of civilians from Yeman (Sanna) in a record time and in perilious conditions. This involved 38 hours of nonstop work by the aircrew.

Successful operations to Leh and Udhampur airfields by night requiring a very high level of proficiency have been carried out by the IL-76 and AN-32 aircraft of the squadron. The first landing by night at Leh was carried out by the AN-32 in July 1996 and by IL-76 in January 1997.