IAF resurrects 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows' for Rafale

The Indian Air Force (IAF) yesterday resurrected the Air Force Station Ambala-based 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows', which will operate the first squadron of Rafale fighter jets in the near future. The resurrection ceremony was presided over by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa. Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa presented a memento to Station Commander Group Captain Harkirat Singh to commemorate the occasion.

The squadron was formed at Ambala on 01st Oct 1951 under the command of Flight



Lieutenant D L Springett and was then equipped with Harvard-II B aircraft. By Nov 1955, Squadron converted fully to De Havilland Vampire and by 1957, Hawker Hunter aircraft were flown by the Golden Arrows. The Squadron converted to the Mig-21 M in 1975. On Nov 1988, the Squadron was presented colours by then honourable President of India Shri R Venkataraman. Under the command of then Wing Commander BS Dhanoa, Golden Arrows participated actively in Operation Safed Sagar in 1999.