IAF combat units to be conferred President"s Standard today

Gwalior, Nov 10 (ANI): In recognition of the distinguished service rendered to the nation, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will present the Presidential Standards to two premier combat units of the IAF, at Air Force Station here today.

Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) a hallowed portal where IAF"s finest and sharpest air warriors train - forever to lead, to fight and to win; and No. 47 Squadron - christened "Black Archers" of the IAF, a premiere Mig-29 fighter squadron based at Adampur, Punjab will be conferred the coveted military honour.

Tactics and Combat Development and Training Squadron (T and CD and TS) when it first formed at Adampur, Punjab on February 1, 1971 the squadron was tasked to study and evolve tactical procedures for various aircraft, implementation of standard operating procedures and training of pilots in operational doctrines and tactics.

The establishment also conducted seminars for senior officers of the IAF who were to be involved in tactical planning of air operations.

TACDE has the onerous task of sharpening the cutting edge of the Air Force. The trainees here undergo a comprehensive and rigorous course of training that caters for the Fighter, Transport, Helicopter, Fighter Controller and guided weapons streams thus encompassing the entire spectrum of operations.

Nearly fifty years ago, on December 18, 1959, an amalgamation of the best officers and men, hand-picked from various units of the IAF saw the formation of a new combat squadron - No. 47 Squadron (Black Archers), under the Command of Squadron Leader DA La Fontaine, who later rose to be the Chief of the Air Staff.

Now into its golden jubilee year, the squadron that adopted a kneeling Black Archer as its insignia has remained steadfast and unwavering with its archetypal bow stretched, ever-ready to accomplish any task with utmost efficiency.

The squadron took part in both the Indo-Pak conflicts since its formation. During the 1965 war, the squadron showed its mettle in the eastern sector. Pilots from the Black Archers squadron led the operation for the air defence of Tezpur and Gauhati (now Guwahati) with Toofani aircraft. Soon after the war, the squadron changed over to the new Mig-21 FL supersonic jets. (ANI)