No. 16 Squadron IAF

Raised in September 1951 at Pune, No. 16 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was one of four new squadrons established as part of a rapid-response expansion of the Indian Air Force. The squadron began flying Tempest initially for a few years.^[3]

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. During Operation Vijay, eight bombers from the No.16 Squadron led by Wg. Cdr. Surinder Singh dropped bombs over the runway at Dabolim Airfield. The squadron also flew a few raids in Diu.^[4][5]

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).

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]

Aircraft types operated by the squadron^[6]

• 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