President recalls IAF heroics during Pathankot attack

Chennai: Recalling the stellar role played by the 125 Helicopter Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the Pathankot terror attacks, in confining the terrorists to a restricted area and reducing the casualties, President Pranab Mukherjee said the squadron stood the test of time by rising to the myriad challenges in times of need.

The no. 125 Helicopter Squadron, also known as Gladiators was the Indian Air Force’s first gunship squadron and was equipped with the lethal and potent Mi-25 attack helicopters on May 5, 1984.

Awarding the President’s ‘Standard’ to 125 Helicopter Squadron and ‘Colours’ to Mechanical Training Institute (MTI) at the Tambaram air base, one of the oldest establishments of the IAF, near Chennai, on Friday he said, “these units have a glorious past, embedded with rich heritage, stellar efforts and selfless service to the nation. For their unflinching devotion, professionalism, ethos and courage, the nation honours them today with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation.”

The awards of Standard and Colours are given to a unit for meritorious service.
The 125 Helicopter Squadron (Gladiators) since its formation in November 1983 has enhanced its operational capability over the years and earned accolades for its valour and strike capabilities when deployed internally as well as abroad.
“The sobriquets ‘Mudalai’ and ‘Mamba’ are two such accolades earned by the squadron during its overseas operations. When deployed under the United Nations flag in Sierra Leone, the Gladiators were instrumental in securing the release of 232 captured Indian Army personnel,” he said.

In January 2016, the Squadron played a stellar role in confining the terrorists to a restricted area during the Pathankot terror attack, thereby reducing casualties, the President said.

The MTI is the oldest technical training institute of the force. Raised in 1935, the institute has undergone changes in locations as well as in nomenclature over the years and was rechristened as Mechanical Training Institute in 1980. The unit imparts fundamental technical training in aircraft maintenance and servicing to the young recruits in mechanical aviation trades.

“The tradesmen, so trained,  are the backbone of the maintenance arm of the IAF, ensuring its operational capability and effectiveness.The training imparted and the ethos instilled at the institute empowers the air warriors to keep abreast with the state-of-the-art technology used in modern weapon platforms,” Mr. Pranab added.

The ceremonial parade was commanded by Group Captain A. Arunachaleswaran.  There was a spectacular display of precision and daredevilry by the Air Warriors drill team. Fly past consisting of Mi-35 and Mi-17 helicopters, Pilatus and Kiran trainer aircraft were  synchronised with the parade. A breathtaking air show by Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), caught the attention of all those who had gathered for the occasion with its impressive formation in the sky. Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal C. Hari Kumar, Air Marshal SRK Nair were present on the occasion.