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Squadron 44
"Mighty Jets"

The squadron was formed at Chandigarh on 6 April 1961, with the AN-12, which was a 4 engine heavy lift turbo prop aircraft. This versatile aircraft undertook all kinds of airlift ops in the most inhospitable terrain, both in the North East and J&K sectors. the squadron was later equipped with the stretegic heavy transport aircraft, the IL-76, in March 1985. This is the only squadron with such a capable aircraft in this region.

The squadron had its baptism, by fire, in various operations since its inception. During the Sino-India conflict in 1962, the squadron took active part in airlifting supplies, arms, ammunition and evacucating casualties in the Ladakh sector.

During the Indo-Pakistani conflict of 1965, the squadron carried out strategic and tactical airlift. In 1971, during the Indo-Pakistani war, the squadron was tasked to strike troop concentration at Hajipur, Fort Abbas and Skardu. The squadron became the first transport squadron to be awarded Battle Honours. During the IPKF ops in Sri Lanka, the squadron continued to support land forces, both during induction and deinduction. In November 1988, the squadron played a major role in the oprations to quell an attack on the Government of Maldives.

From the snowy wastes of the Siachen glacier to the dense jungle of the North East, the 'Fourty-Fours' squadron carried out sorties for disaster relief and regular air maintenance for our civilians and troops. The squadron has also flown numerous sorties in aid of civil power to airlift paramilitary forces and other material, such as material for elections whenever called upon to do so.

In pursuance of Government directives to provide aid to disaster areas around the world, the squadron has carried relief material to Armenia and Bangladesh. During the Gulf war, the squadron airlifted Indian civilians from Kuwait and Iraq, when the civil operators were unable to carry out the task. The squadron was also tasked to airlift stranded Indians in North Yemen, during a period of civil ensurgency in that country.

In recognition of its achievements, the squadron has been awarded one MVC, two Vr C, one YSM, three VSM, five mention in despatch, 30 VMs, 25 CAS and 51 AOC-in-C commendations.