In a significant honour for their exemplary service and contributions to national defense, four distinguished units of the Indian Air Force are poised to receive the prestigious President's Standard and Colours. These units, comprising two fighter squadrons, a signals unit, and a base repair depot, represent the epitome of excellence in the country's defense forces.

President Droupadi Murmu, the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces is scheduled to present the honours at the Hindon air base located on the outskirts of Delhi on March 8th.

"This marks a historic occasion for the Indian Air Force as four units are set to receive the President's Standard and Colours simultaneously for the first time," stated Air Marshal P M Sinha, the chief of Western Air Command. "It represents the highest military distinction bestowed upon any unit within the Indian armed forces."

The units set to receive the prestigious award include the 45 'Flying Daggers' Squadron, currently operating the Tejas fighters, and the 221 'The Valiants' Squadron, equipped with the Sukhoi-30MKI jets.

The remaining two units set to receive the honour are the 11 Base Repair Depot, recognized as the sole fighter overhaul depot within the IAF, and the 509 Signals Unit, operating as an air defence direction center in Meghalaya.

Air Marshal Sinha stated that the chosen units have been distinguished for their commendable service over the last 25 years. The award serves as recognition of their operational prowess, unwavering commitment, and significant contributions, demonstrated in both peacetime and wartime scenarios.

Just two years after its establishment, the Squadron was deployed in the Eastern theatre during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, where it played a significant role in the overall war effort. In August 1968, the squadron became one of the first units to be equipped with the Su-7 supersonic attack fighter.

Throughout the 1971 Indo-Pak War, while operating in the Eastern theatre, the squadron carried out numerous counter-air, close-air support, and photo reconnaissance missions.

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