No. 16 Squadron
Active1951 - Present
CountryIndia Republic of India
BranchIndian Air Force
RoleInterdiction
Part ofCentral Air Command (India)
Garrison/HQGorakhpur AFS
Nickname(s)"Cobras"
Motto(s)Praharodata
Ready to Strike
Mascot(s)Coiled Cobra
Insignia
Identification
symbol		Coiled Cobra
Aircraft flown
AttackSEPECAT Jaguar IB/IS
2005 stamp to commemorate 50 years of service

No. 16 Squadron Indian Air Force (Black Cobras), is a counter-air and interdiction unit, operating out of the Indian Air Force station in Gorakhpur.[1]

In 2001, the squadron was operating SEPECAT Jaguar IS and IB fighter jets. The squadron started using them in October 1986, and was still using them as of 2001.[2]

History

16 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was formed at Pune in 1950, with six Supermarine Spitfires, and one Hawker Tempest. They served as a bomber squadron of the Western Air Command.[1]

The squadron was re-equipped in 1954, with B-24 Liberators. Its role was also changed to heavy bombing. In 1957, the squadron received English Electric Canberras, and was moved to Kalaikunda. In October–December 1986, the squadron was re-equipped with SEPECAT Jaguars, which are deep penetration strike aircraft. The squadron's current roles are identified as counter-air and interdiction.[1][2]

Use in combat

The squadron entered battle for the first time during the annexation of Goa, where it flew bombing raids against Dabolim Airfield. The squadron also flew a few raids in Diu.

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the squadron flew several sorties and strike missions.

During the War of 1971, the squadron was involved in many missions under the command of Commander P. Gautam (MVC, Bar to VM).

Aircraft

Aircraft types operated by the squadron[3]

Aircraft TypeFromToAir Base
Harvard IIBFebruary 1950February 195AFS Pune
Hawker Tempest II
Consolidated B-24 LiberatorOctober 1954July 1956
English Electric Canberra B(I).58December 1957October 1986AFS Kalaikunda
SEPECAT Jaguar ISNovember 1986PresentAFS Gorakhpur

Awards

  • Wg Cdr Padmanabha Gautam GDP, MVC
  • JWO Kuthukallunkal Krishnan Raju Eng/Fit, CAS Commendation
  • Air Cmde William George Beddoe GDP, Vayu Sena Medal, CAS Commendation

References

  1. 1 2 3 "No 16 Squadron(Black Cobra)". Indian Airforce. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  2. 1 2 Lake Air International December 2001, pp. 345–346.
  3. ↑ "No.16 Squadron - Bharat Rakshak:Indian Air Force". bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
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