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]
| No. 16 Squadron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1951 - Present |
| Country |  Republic of India |
| Branch |  Indian Air Force |
| Role | Interdiction |
| Part of | Central Air Command (India) |
| Garrison/HQ | Gorakhpur AFS |
| Nickname(s) | "Cobras" |
| Motto(s) | Praharodata Ready to Strike |
| Mascot(s) | Coiled Cobra |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol | Coiled Cobra |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | SEPECAT Jaguar IB/IS |
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
editThis section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2020) |
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
editThe 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
editAircraft types operated by the squadron[3]
| Aircraft Type | From | To | Air Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard IIB | February 1950 | February 195 | AFS Pune |
| Hawker Tempest II | |||
| Consolidated B-24 Liberator | October 1954 | July 1956 | |
| English Electric Canberra B(I).58 | December 1957 | October 1986 | AFS Kalaikunda |
| SEPECAT Jaguar IS | November 1986 | Present | AFS Gorakhpur |
Awards
edit- 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
edit- ^ a b c "No 16 Squadron(Black Cobra)". Indian Airforce. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
- ^ a b Lake Air International December 2001, pp. 345–346.
- ^ "No.16 Squadron - Bharat Rakshak:Indian Air Force". bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 27 June 2021.