The Indian Air Force’s No. 17 Squadron, the famed Golden Arrows and the service’s first Rafale-equipped unit, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee at Ambala on 1 October, marking 75 years since its raising at the same air base.

The commemorative events included a static aircraft display, the release of a special first-day cover, a barakhana for squadron personnel and a social gathering attended by serving and retired air warriors.

Raised on 1 October 1951, the squadron's first commanding officer was Flight Lieutenant Doughlas Llewellyn Springett of the 27 Pilot Course, which received its wings in February 1945. Over the decades, the unit has participated in every major conflict and operation involving the Indian Air Force, most recently Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

The Golden Arrows emerged during a period of rapid force expansion when the IAF raised four fighter squadrons, Nos. 14, 15, 16 and 17, within just eight weeks between August and October 1951. Collectively, these formations became known as the “Emergency Teens”.

The squadron initially operated 12 Harvard-IIB aircraft in a tactical reconnaissance role before transitioning to the de Havilland Vampire jet in 1955. It later converted to the Hawker Hunter, an aircraft that would carry it through some of the most significant campaigns in its early history.

Flying Hunters, the squadron took part in the 1961 Goa liberation operation and subsequently served in both the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani wars.

During the Goa campaign, No. 17 Squadron was one of only two Hunter-equipped units committed to operations. Under Squadron Leader Jayawant Singh, six Hunters struck targets at Bambolim, contributing to the swift liberation of Goa.

In the 1965 war, the squadron was tasked with providing air defence cover for New Delhi, reflecting the strategic importance attached to its capabilities.

The 1971 conflict saw the Golden Arrows deployed to the eastern theatre from Hasimara in support of the Army’s 20 Mountain Division. Led by Wing Commander Narinder Chatrath, later an Air Commodore, the squadron executed a major attack against Kurmitola air base near Dhaka.

During that mission, Chatrath engaged two Pakistani F-86 Sabres in aerial combat and shot down one aircraft, earning the Vir Chakra. Another squadron officer, V.K. Nebb, was also awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry.

A major transformation followed in 1975 when the squadron entered the supersonic age by converting to the MiG-21 and relocating to Bhisiana near Bathinda.

The unit's most celebrated modern combat chapter came during the 1999 Kargil conflict. Under Wing Commander B.S. Dhanoa, who later became Chief of the Air Staff, the squadron moved to Srinagar as part of Operation Safed Sagar.

Initially tasked with reconnaissance missions along the Line of Control, the Golden Arrows later pioneered low-level night bombing operations in mountainous terrain. Working alongside No. 108 Squadron, pilots developed tactics that had never before been employed on MiG-21s in such conditions.

Training sorties were conducted in valleys north of Srinagar during moonlit periods. Aircraft descended to approximately 1,000 metres above the ground to deliver bombs accurately against difficult targets. Success depended upon precise timing, altitude, speed and navigation.

Another challenge involved reconciling differing map systems used by the Army and the Air Force. Procedures were subsequently devised to ensure accurate target identification and strike planning.

Despite successful operations, the squadron suffered a significant loss when Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was shot down by an enemy missile while attempting to locate the wreckage of a MiG-27 flown by Flight Lieutenant K. Nachiketa after an engine failure.

As ageing MiG-21 aircraft approached retirement, No. 17 Squadron was number-plated in 2016. However, its distinguished history ensured it would not remain dormant for long.

The squadron was re-raised at Ambala in September 2019 and became the first Indian Air Force unit to receive the French-built Dassault Rafale. The first Rafales joined the squadron in 2020, ushering in a new era of multi-role air combat capability.

Former Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa has stated that the Golden Arrows were selected to operate the Rafale because they were the most highly decorated squadron of the Kargil War. The second Rafale squadron, No. 101 Squadron at Hasimara, holds the distinction of being among the most decorated units from the 1971 war.

The Rafale's induction significantly strengthened India's air power, providing advanced sensors, long-range precision-strike capabilities and enhanced network-centric warfare features. Ambala's location further gives the squadron a critical role in safeguarding India's northern and western sectors.

When Operation Sindoor unfolded in 2025, warfare had evolved dramatically from the era of Kargil. Operating Rafales, the Golden Arrows undertook air defence and precision-strike missions, earning two Vir Chakras, four Vayu Sena Medals and ten Mentions-in-Despatches.

Seventy-five years after its formation, the Golden Arrows remain one of the Indian Air Force’s most distinguished combat units, having progressed from Harvard trainers and Vampire jets to Hunters, MiG-21s and now Rafales while maintaining an unbroken record of operational service across generations of aerial warfare.

Agencies