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18th Attack Squadron
18th Assault Squadron
18th Tactical Air Support Squadron
"Falcons"

The mission of the 18th Attack Squadron is to provide tactical air operations in support of Armed Forces of the Philippines forces in designated areas. Its specific functions include: Performing close air support for surface forces; performing tactical air reconnaisance; performing airborne strike control for air and/or surface forces; providing deployment of combat ready forces on the unit's designated areas of operations; and performing other functions as directed by higher headquarters.

The 18th Attack Squadron was first activated on 2 May 1990 as the 18th Tactical Air Support Squadron, pursuant to General Orders Number 141, Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, dated 4 May 1990. This activation was in the connection with the reorganization of PAF air assets to meet changing AFP needs. When the unit was activated it was the only tactical squadron operating the McDonnel Dougleas MD-520MG helicopter. This new fleet was utilized in various counter insurgency operation in the country.

With only four aircraft in its inventory, the squadron quickly metamorphosed into a more capable helicopter unit after more aircraft were delivered at Sangley Point, Cavite City. R eady for action, the MG-520s were utilized in counter insurgency operations in Bacolod, Abra, and Mindoro. In its second year of operations, the unit extended its range of responsibility over the regions of Leyte, Cagayan de Oro and as far as Zamboanga.

On 15 December 1993, the 18th Tactical Air Support Squadron was redesiganted the 18th Assault Squadron pursuant to General Order Number 5, Headquarters, Philippine Air Force dated 4 June 1994.

In 2000, the 18th Assault Squadron saw action along with all the other tactical units of the Philippine Air Force in the all out war against the MILF in Mindanao.

Pursuant to General Orders Number 163 dated 28 April 2003, all Assault Squadrons were redesignated as Attack Squadrons. At the same time the 18th Attack Squadron also recieved its call-sign "Falcon."